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A 

DESCRIPTION 


OF 



AND 


ITS RESOURCES: 


X wnicn EVERY COUNTY IN THE STATE IIA< SEPARATE MENTION, 
WITH VALUABLE TABLES IN REGARD TO AGRICULTURE, EDU¬ 
CATION. RELIGIOUS DENOMINATIONS, RAILROADS, 
MANUFACTORIES, STAGE ROUTES, AC. 




BKINQ. A , 


DO 


VALUABLE GUIDE TO THE IMMIGRANT. 




Hr WM. DUANE WILSON. 

;• 

Secretary low* Agricultural College. 

—-^ -- 


DES MOINES, IOWA: 

MILLS & COMPA N Y, PUBLISHERS. 

1 8 G 5. 





F~6>&! 

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*• * » 


*j-72.6> &> 


INTRODUCTION. 


The dosiro for information by tbo numerous persons who are looking 
towards the fair lands of Iowa for their future homes, and the difficulty of 
obtaining it in any compact and intelligent form, render such a work as 
is here given to the public, one of necessity. The principal incentive of 
the author is a love for the State of his adoption, in which ho has resided 
for nearly ten years. After a residence of several years in the States of 
Michigan, Wisconsin and Illinois, over tvhich he has travelled to a con¬ 
siderable extent, and a full and impartial view of the advantages of each, 
as compared with those of Iowa, ho is altogether satisfied with his 
location knowing it to be eminently healthy, and believing it to embrace 
greater elements of productiveness and wealth, than are contained in the 
other Northwestern States and perhaps of the whole Union. Frequent 
trips over large portions of the State, during the past eight years, and an 
official position under the State Government for the past seven years, 
which required an intimate knowledge of its productions and resources, 
have confirmed him in this conclusion, and enabled him to give a 
more faithful view of them, than otherwise could have been done. That 
moro full and precise data might be obtained, opportunities wore afforded 
to prominent individuals in each county to furnish information pertinent 
to the object of the work. In too many instances this opportunity was 
neglected, and had it not been for the facts already in his possession, he 
would have failed in presenting a reliable and intelligent guide. The only 
fear he may have about the view presented of our State, is that it is not 
as bright as it should be— k( that the half is not told.” lie confidently 
believes, however, that the presentation can be relied upon as far as it is 
gi ven —the remainder is left for those to seek who wish to enjoy the 
advantages of our already great and growing State. What is presented 
will at least serve to guide them in their researches, and wffiere all is 
good, the task will be an easy one. There are so many such books pub¬ 
lished to accomplish a selfish purpose, it may not be out of place to state 
here, that its author is in no way connected, directly or indirectly, with 
the sale or purchase of lands or lots, and only regrets that he is not pos¬ 
sessed of a few acres in this favored land, on which to locate for the 
remainder of his life ; neither was it commenced at the suggestion of any 
person other than himself. 



IV 


INTRODUCTION. 


The Editor is indebted principally to Professor Hall’s report on the 
Geology, Ac. of Iowa, for the surface elevations of the State and rivers— 
to Hon. 0. Faville, Superintendent of Public Instruction, for the articlo 
on the School System of Iowa—occasionally to N. H. Parker’s work on 
Iowa in lb55 to Rev. E. M. Wright, Dep. Sec. of State, for the statistics 
of the Methodist Church ; to the U. S. Assessors of some of the Congres¬ 
sional Districts for information in regard to manufactories; to the 
Hon. T. S. Parvin, for the Geology of the State; to Wm. H. Fleming, 
Esq,, of the Adjutant General’s office, for the Military Statistics; to the 
Registers of the U. S. Land Offices, and to some twenty or thirty valuable 
correspondents and sources, all of which are gratefully acknowledged. 

That the reader may obtain a view of the State in detail each county 
is given by itself, and these are grouped into Districts, as each district has 
some general feature peculiar to itself. They are divided as follows : 

In Congressional Districts, embracing these, however, only as far as the 
fourth. Next is given the nine central counties of the State. As most of 
the lands belonging to the United States lie in the Fort Dodge and Sioux 
City Land Districts, these form two general sub-divisions; and those 
western counties which aro principally drained by the Missouri river and 
jts tributaries, and which lie upon the western side of tho State, form 
another division. Those counties which can not properly be embraced in 
cither of the above general sub-divisions, close the special descriptions. 

Separate tables follow all these, giving by counties, their population ; 
their area in acres; number of acres under fence; number of acres 
attached to farms not under fence and supposed not cultivated ; number 
of acres assessed for taxable purposes ; number of acres of wheat and corn 
put in, and the amount harvested, with their average production; 
an abstract of the Agricultural Statistics of the State ; the School System 
of the State, with the number of school districts, scholars and school 
houses, in each county; tho Geology of the State; counties in which 
agricultural societies are organized : the number of congregations of tho 
leading religious denominations, and where located in each county ; tho 
railroad and stage routes; tho banking establishments, with the amount 
of their capital stock ; the officers of the General and State Governments; 
the United States and State Courts—with other information, valuable for 
reference, Ac., will all be found in its pages. 

The Editor has availed himself of every means within his reach to 
present a comprehensive view of Iowa and its resources , and ho 
confidently believes that the immigrant as well as the citizen will find in 
its pages a faithful outline of all tint is essential to be known in regard 
thereto. It certainly has more valuable facts in reference to our State 


INTRODUCTION. 


V 

thanha%e ever been presented to the public in one volume, and much 
that is entirely new. 

Thoie are seveial kinds of information which he has not given, which 
he desired to embrace to make the work more valuable as one of reference. 
Among which was an exhibit of the amount and value of produce, <£c. 
hipped from the State for the past year, at the several shipping points, 
and the amount and value of the importations. Another, was the number 
and kind of manufacturing establishments in operation, and needed in 
every county in the State. In regard to the former, past experience 
taught him that he could not obtain them from all the shipping and 
receiving,) points in time for the issue of this book, consequently the 
attempt was not made; but in regard to the latter, exertions were made, 
persevering and persistent, which have only partially been successful. Ho 
supposed that personal interest, or county or State pride would induce 
full] statements, but it seems not. The apparent indifference to those 
matters may grow out of an idea that Iowa stands so pre-eminent in all 
that pertains to lucrative positions for all classes of laborers, that it is not 
necessary to particularize. That may be true in one sense, but some points 
are better than others, and if these should not all be given, the blamo 
must rest upon those who were solicited to give them, and did not. Thu3 
much for any apparent shortcomings in these particulars; yet their omis¬ 
sion may not be a matter of great importance, as the immigrant farmer 
or mechanic, provided he is skilled in his profession and industrious, even 
if he comes amongst us without a dollar, is sure in a few years to become 
proprietor of a farm or shop that will lead him to wealth, wherever he 
may choose to make a home, with the information to guide him that ia 
contained in these pages. 





















. 

■ 




















• -, • 





GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE STATE. 


CHAPTER I. 

IOWA 

Was organized as a Territory June 12, 1838. Admitted into the 
Union, December 28, 1846. Capital, Des Moines, Polk County. 

The population of the State, was, in 


1906... 

...10,5.31 

1840. 

. 90,088 

1851. 

...204,775 

1858. 

03.3,547 

1838... 

...22,859 

1847.. 

.117,954 

1852. 

...230,888 

1800.... 

674,913 

1840.. . 

1844.. . 

...43,116 

1849.. 

1850.. . 

.152.148 

.192,204 

1854.. 

1550.. 

....519,414 

1S03. 

702,374 


STATE BOUNDARIES. 

The State of Iowa has nearly the figure of a rectangular paral¬ 
lelogram; its extreme length from east to west is about 300 
miles, and its breadth a little over 200. Its northern boundary is 
the parallel of 43° 80', which separates the State from Minnesota; 
its southern limit is nearly in the latitude of 40° 31'. The two 
great rivers of tlie North American Continent form its eastern and 
western boundaries. The Mississippi, on the east, has a general 
north and south course; but forms an irregular arc, of which the 
convexity is turned towards the east. Between the Turkey river 
on the north and the City of Muscatine on the south, this bending 
of the river is quite regular, and gives a chord of about 90 miles in 
length between the extremities of the arc, and a distance of nearly 
50 miles from this chord to the point where the river reaches 
farthest to the east. The State of Wisconsin and Illinois border 
Iowa on this side, their mutual boundary being the parallel of 42° 
30'. The western limit of the State is the river Missouri, as far 
north as the mouth of the Big Sioux, which liver the boundary 
line on this side follows, until it cuts the parallel of 48° 30’. The 
Stale as thus bounded, includes an area of 55,045 square miles. 

GENERAL SURFACE OF THE STATE. 

From the Geological survey of Iowa, by James Hall, the fol¬ 
lowing extracts are taken, in regard to the general sir.face of 
Iowa: 
















8 


DESCRIPTION OF IOWA. 


“ The surface of Iowa is remarkably uniform in its altitude. It 
nowhere rises into any elevation which can be called a mountain, 
nor are the water lines marked by distinct and easily recognizable 
ridge.^, In general, the western border of the State is more 
elevated than the eastern, and the northern higher than the south¬ 
ern. The Missouri has a more rapid descent than the Mississippi 
in the latitude of Iowa; and besides, has a much longer com so 
from the northwestern corner of the State to its entrance into the 
Mississippi, than the latter has from the northwestern corner to 
their mutual junction. If, therefore, w r e start from the Mississippi 
and proceed westward, we shall find ourselves gradually rising 
until we reach the water shed betw r een the two rivers; and on 
receding into the vallej^ of the Missouri, we shall be at a height 
above our starting point, which will be greater in proportion as the 
line we have traversed is nearer to the north boundary of the 
State. Each successive crossing of the streams emptying into the 
Mississippi, we shall find to be a little higher than the preceding 
one, as we advance from the east towards the west/’ 

From the levellings of the Dubuque & Pacific, the Mississippi & 
Missouri Railroads, the following results are exhibited: “That on 
the line of the Dubuque and Pacific road it ascends the valley of the 
Catfish from the Mississippi, by a grade averaging about 80 feet to 
the mile for a distance of 15 miles from Dubuque, where the general 
level of the prairie is reached, and the road runs along at a level 
varying from 450 to 500 feet, above the Mississippi, until it reaches 
the valley of the North Maquoketa, which it strikes at an eleva¬ 
tion of 852 feet. Thence the surface of the country west, to the 
South Maquoketa, varies in altitude from 400 to 450 feet; attaining 
at the highest point between those two streams, an elevation of 489 
feet, at the distance of 40.2 miles from Dubuque. At the point 
where the South Fork of the Maquoketa is crossed by the railroad, 
its elevation is 325 feet; and from here west to the Wapsipinicon 
river, a distance of twenty-three miles, the general height of the 
surface is about 450 feet, with variations of 40 or 50 feet of depres¬ 
sion or elevation. From the Wapsipinicon to Cedar river the 
general level of the country is lower than it was farther east, being 
about 350 ft.; and the Cedar itself is 50 ft. lower than the Wapsipin- 
icon. The Iowa is, on the other hand, over 200 feet higher than 
the Cedar, and the elevation of the surface betw r een that river and 
the Des Moines is between 550 and 650 feet. The Des Moines is 
lower than the Iowa river, by a little over 50 feet; the former river 
being much the larger of the two, and having cut its channel deeper 
in proportion. On the Coon river wdicre the road crosses, a 
distance of 60 miles from the Des Moines, the elevation is 5-70 
feet, wdiile the general bend between the two rivers is from 680 to 
650 feet. West of the Coon, on the line of the road, the ground 
rises gradually, and its culminating point, 250 miles from Dubuque, 
attains an elevation of 849 feet. The road strikes Floyd's river, 
about 18 miles from Sioux City, at an elevation of 574 feet above 
the Mississippi, and descends along its course to the Missouri, which 
is 347 feet higher than the Mississippi at Dubuque.” 


DESCRIPTION OF IOWA. 


9 


ITS PRINCIPAL RIVERS. 

The smaller streams which drain the State of Iowa may be divided 
into two systems, one of which comprises the rivers emptying into 
the Mississippi, and the other those which run into the Missouri. 
Much the larger part of the State is watered by affluents of the 
former river. These two systems of rivers run nearly at right 
angles with each other, those falling into the Mississippi having a 
course from northwest to southeast nearly, while those which 
empty into the Missouri run towards the southwest; except along 
the southern border of the State, where they have nearly a south 
course. 

Those u-hich empty into the Mississippi. 

Des Moines River.*' The most important of the streams of Iowa, 
rises in the State of Minnesota, and enters the State of Iowa at 
three points in Emmett and Kossuth counties, and runs south¬ 
easterly through these and the counties of Palo Alto. Hamilton, 
Webster, Boone, Dallas, Polk, Warren, Mahaska, Wapello, Van 
Buten and Lee, emptying into the Mississippi about seven miles 
below Keokuk in Lee county, where it forms the boundary line 
between Iowa and Missouri, for ‘24 miles above its mouth. Its 
length is about 350 miles. Its principal branches are the Raccoon 
river and branches, one of which rises in Buena Vista county; and 
the other in Carroll county, running through these and the counties 
of Sac, Calhoun, Greene, Dallas and Guthrie; in all about 200 miles 
in length, and unites with the Des Moines river at Des Moines, the 
Capital of the State. All together they drain about 10,000 square 
miles. At times of high water in the spring, the Des Moines is 
navigable for good sized steamers as high as Des Moines, and 
steamboats have run as high as Fort Dodge. 

Cedar River is the next, stream in importance. Its sources are in 
the lake region of southern Minnesota, a few miles north of the 
Iowa line, and its course is nearly parallel with that of the Des 
Moines, until it arrives within ten miles of the Mississippi, when 
it bends gradually to the southwest, a course at right angles with 
its former one, and after flowing about 25 miles empties into the 
Iowa, which, although considerabty the smaller stream, retains its 
name after the junction of the two. It has several Large tributaries, 
the principal of which are the Red Cedar, west fork of Red Cedar, 
Shellrock river, Lime creek, Flood creek and Black Hawk creek. 
Tne main river is about 250 miles in length and drains with its 
numerous branches, not less than about 8000 square miles, in the 
counties of Mitchell, Floyd, Chickasaw, Bremer, Black Hawk, Ben¬ 
ton, Linn, Johnson, Cedar, Muscatine and Louisa, by the main 
river; and by the branches, the counties of Worth, Winnebago, 
Hancock, Cerro Gordo, Floyd and Butler. Water power is abundant 
along this stream and its tributaries, especially in the upper part 
of its course, as on Shellrock and Lime creeks, in Worth, Cerro 
Gordo and Floyd counties. 


+IHrierg Des Moines, or River of the SIohIc*. 
I* 



DESCRIPTION OF IOWA. 


10 


Skunk River. South Skunk : The South Skunk rises in Webster 
county and runs through this and the counties of Story, Polk, 
Jasper, Marion, Mahaska, Keokuk, Washington, Jefferson, Henry, 
Lee and Des Moines. The North Skunk rises in Marshall county, and 
flows through this and the counties of Jasper, Powesheik, Mahaska 
and Keokuk, where it unites with the South Skunk, which empties 
into the Mississippi about 12 miles below Burlington. Total length 
of the two Skunks about 450 miles, and including other streams of 
the same name tributary thereto about 600 miles, and drains about 
8 or 9000 square miles. 

Iowa River. Rises in Hancock county and runs southeast 
through the counties of Wright, Franklin, Hardin, Marshall, Tama, 
Iowa, Johnson, Washington and Louisa, emptying into the Missis¬ 
sippi in the latter county, at a point opposite New Boston, in 
Illinois. Whole length about 3J0 miles, and drains about 4000 
square miles. 

The Wapsipinicon, or Wapsi, as it is generally designated by 
the settlers, drains a narrow belt of about 7000 square milts 
including its numerous branches, between the Cedar and Turkey 
rivers. The stream is about 250 miles in length. 

Maquoketa River. Rises in Fayette county and runs south¬ 
east, through the counties of Fayette, Buchanan, Delaware, Jones 
and Jackson, and empties into the Mississippi in the latter county. 
Its length is about 150 miles and drains about 3000 square miles. 

Turkey River. Rises in Howard county, and runs southeast 
through the counties of Winnesheik, Fayette and Clayton, emptying 
into the Mississippi near the south line of Clayton county. Its 
length is about 130 miles, and drains about 2000 square miles. 

Upper Iowa River. Rises in Howard county and runs nearly 
east, through the counties of Howard, Winnesheik and Alamakee, 
and empties into the Mississippi near the north line of Alamakee 
county, and drains about 300 square miles. 

7 [The district drained by the two last named rivers is more broken and 
irregular than any other part of the State, and the streams have usually 
cut deeply into the rocks. Their descent is quite rapid, and they furnish 
ample water power at numerous points. The Upper Iowa runs through 
a remarkably picturesque valley, bordered by bluffs which are from 300 to 
400 feet high, and display a variety of gracefully curving slopes, inter¬ 
rupted by bold and striking precipices j 

On the West Side of the Slate. 

The western side of the State is traversed by numerous water 
courses, which have a general direction at right angles to that of the 
principal streams on the eastern side. None of them are navigable, 
unless it be the Big Sioux, which forms part of the western bound¬ 
ary of Iowa. 

Big Sioux: Rises a little north of the northwest corner of Ihe 
Sdato, and flows south on the westorn border of Lyon, Sioux and 


DESCRIPTION OF IOWA. 


11 


Plymouth counties; in length about 100 miles with its meanderings, 
and empties into the Missouri near Sioux City. Its principal trib¬ 
utary is Rock River, which heads in Minnesota and flows through 
Osceola, Lyon and Sioux counties, and drains about 900 square 
miles. 

Floyd’s River: Heads in Sioux county and runs southwest 
through this and Plymouth county, to the Missouri river, emptying 
at Sioux City, in the northwest corner of Woodbury county. It is 
about 90 miles in length, and drains about 1500 square miles. 

Little Sioux River: Rises in the lakes in Dickinson county 
near the Minnesota line and runs southwest through the counties of 
Clay, Buena Vista, Cherokee, Ida, Woodbury and Monona, flowing 
into the Missouri at the northwest corner of Harrison county. Its 
length is about 800 miles, and drains about 5000 square miles. 

Boyer River: Rises in Buena Vista county and runs southwest 
through the counties of Sac, Crawford, Monona and Harrison; empty¬ 
ing into the Missouri river near the northwest corner of Pottawat¬ 
tamie county. Its length is about 150 miles, and drains about 2000 
square miles. 

Nishnabotany River: Rises in Carroll county and runs south¬ 
west through Audubon, Cass, Pottawattamie and Fremont counties. 
In the latter county it unites with the west fork and forms the main 
river. The west fork rises in Crawford county, running southwest 
through the counties of Shelby, Pottawattamie, Mills and Fremont. 
Of the main river there is only about 20 miles in the latter county, 
from which it passes into the State of Missouri; and discharges into 
the Missouri river abcTrt 20 miles below the southern boundary of 
Iowa. The main river in this State with the two branches are 
about 320 miles in length, and drain about 5000 square miles. 

In the Southern part of the State. 

Fox River, rises in Appanoose county, running southeast 
through Davis and Van Bureti counties, draining about 8 n 0 miles. 

CtiARiTOx River, rises in Decatur county flowing from thence north 
to the county of Limas, where it runs northeast and southeast to Appa¬ 
noose county; thence south, draining about 1000 square miles. 

Platte River, rises in Union and inns through Ringgold and 
Taylor counties, draining about 700 square miles. 

One Hundred and Two River rises in Adams county, thence 
running south through Adams and Taylor counties draining about 
1000 square miles. 

* 

Nodaway Rivers. East, West and Middle, head in Adair county 
and run through Adams, Taylor, Montgomery and Page, drain¬ 
ing about 2000 square miles. 

All the above named streams, besides numerous others, head in 
this State and flow into the Mississippi or Missouri rivers, through 
the State of Missouri; and those mentioned become good sized 


12 


DESCRIPTION OF IOWA. 


streams in that State. About 7000 square miles arc drained in 
the southern tier of counties by these streams. 

MissTssirn and Missouri rivers. 

The following table exhibits the elevation of the Mississippi river, 
above the sea level, at some of the more important points between 
the mouth of the Ohio and Prairie du Chien : 


Localitv. Elevation in Feet. 

Prairie du Chion (by It. R. Surveys,). C24 

Mouth of Platte river, “ 613 

Dubuque, “ 610 

Head of Upper Rapids, “ 581 

Rock Island, “ Co5 

Flint River, (Nicollet,) . 486 

Mouth of the Des Moines, “ 444 

Sc. Louis, (Engelmauu) ... 351 

Mouth of the Ohio, (R. R. Surveys,) . 290 


The navigation of the Missouri river is vastly more difficult and 
dangerous than that of the Mississippi. The descent is much more 
rapid, as the fall from the mouth of the Big Sioux to its entrance 
into the Mississippi, is nearly one foot per mile. The elevation of 
the Missouri above the sea level, at Council Bluffs, is 1023 feet, 
which makes this river 425 feet higher at this point, than the Mis¬ 
sissippi at Davenport. 


CHAPTER II. 

FIRST CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 

Tuts district lies in the southeastern portion of the State, and 
embraces eight counties : Leo. Des Moines, Van Buren, Henry, 
Jefferson, Davis, Louisa and Washington, being among our oldest 
settled counties and containing at one time nearly the whole popu¬ 
lation of the then Territory of Iowa, and at this t ime one fifth of the 
entire population. They have long held the leading political influ¬ 
ence in the State, even after the balance of the voting power had 
passed from them. It has now one of the United States Supreme 
Judges; the Judge of the United States District Court ; two Judges 
on the bench of the Supremo Court, and the two United States 
Senators, all men of ability and held in high esteem throughout the 
whole State. It was in this district where the first herds of im¬ 
proved stock were introduced; and where it was proven that sheep 
arc well adapted to our soil and climate. Its population is intel¬ 
ligent, moral and industrious, and in the cities, highly intellectual 
and cultivated. For the productions of its soils, which are very 












LEE COUNTY. 


13 

satisfactory to those who cultivate them, the reader is referred to 
the agricultural statistics in another part of this book. The culti¬ 
vation of fruit of all kinds has been very successful; some of tlie 
orchards in which having been in bearing for the past 20 years, and 
for the quality of the fruit not excelled, if equalled, in the United 
States. Fine church buildings and school houses are located in 
every school district; some of the schools would be a credit to any 
State. In regard to other matters in this district the reader is 
referred to the paper at the close of this section. 

It may be a matter of surprise, even to the resident, to learn that 
of the 2,400,000 acres in this district, there are nearly one million 
and a half acres not under fence or under cultivation. Here ought 
to be a good opportunity for the settler, and he should look into it. 

LEE COUNTY. 

This is the southeastern county in Iowa, being situated at the 
junction of the Des Moines and Mississippi rivers. It is bounded 
on the north by Des Moines and Henry counties, west by Van 
Buren, south by the Des Moines river, which separates it from Clark 
county, Missouri, and east by the Mississippi. It is well watered 
by the Des Moines ami its tributaries : Sugar Creek, Skunk and Lost 
Creek. The principal towns are Keokuk, Ft. Madison, Montrose, 
West Point, Franklin, Nashville, &c. 

Keokuk is the commercial centre of the county and attracts con¬ 
siderable trade from the States of Illinois and Missouri lying con¬ 
tiguous to it. Its location at the foot of the lower Rapids on the 
Mississippi, places it at the head of steamboat navigation during 
the greater part of the year, but trans-shipments are made with 
great facility around the rapids through the Keokuk, Mt. Pleasant, 
and Muscatine Railroad, to Ft. Madison, the present terminus of 
the road, where steamers, of ample accommodations for freight and 
passengers receive all destined for the north. It is also the ter¬ 
minus of the Des Moines Valley Railroad, which traverses oneof the 
oldest settled and richest valleys of the State, for a distance of 112 
miles, to Pella, in Marion county. These facilities for commerce are 
greatly enhanced b}^ a connection by Railroad to the Atlantic cities. 
Its position, therefore, as a commercial centre is a very eligible one. 
As to manufactories it is not what it should be when its excellent 
advantages are considered. We know of no city on the Mississippi 
river where fuel, including coal, can be had in greater quantities or 
of better quality, and the cost of stone, and other building material, 
as well as real estate is so low comparatively, at this time. It is a 
matter of surprise that capitalists and mechanics are so slow in 
taking advantage of them. Keokuk is destined, at no distant day, 
to be a leading manufacturing city. 

Keokuk is principally situated upon a bluff 150 feet above the 
Mississippi; is laid out something over one mile square, and con¬ 
tains a population of about 10.000. It* streets are wide and rog- 


14 


DESCRIPTION OF IOWA. 


ular, and the principal ones graded and McAdamized. A recent 
ride over the city and suburbs exhibited a large number of costly 
and elegant public and private buildings; most ot the latter were 
located on sites which commanded extensive views of the Missis¬ 
sippi, as well as the city. Twice as many more such sites can be 
obtained at reasonable prices. Its public schools are of the best 
character; and there ate several excellent private schools. It also 
contains the Iowa Medical College, an institution which has a 
high reputation, and is well provided with tine church buildings for 
all the leading religious denominations. For intelligence, enter¬ 
prise, and those moral and social qualities which are so desirable, 
the citizens of Keokuk can not be excelled by any city in the 
State. The traveller will find here several excellent hotels. Two 
daily and two weekly papers are printed in Keokuk. 

Fort Madison is the county seat. It is beautifully situated on the 
Mississippi, twelve miles above the Des Moines rapids. It contaius 
flic State Penitentiary, supporis a weekly newspaper, several 
churches, two or three good hotels, and has one of the best ferries 
that crosses die upper Mississippi. 

The bottom lands of Lee county are well adapted to agriculture, 
especially for grass lands, and the prairies are elevated, dry and 
rolling, and very productive. Population of the county in 18G3 
28,523. 

DES MOINES COUNTY 

Was organized in 1834, lies on the Mississippi, and in the second 
tier of counties from the south line of the State. It possesses an 
excellent soil, with a happy combination of prairie and timber to 
such an extent as to give every satisfaction to those who live upon 
and cultivate it. It always has ranked amongst our most produc¬ 
tive counties in agricultural productions. It is also well watered 
by the small streams which empty into the Mississippi and Skunk 
rivers, affording good water power for numerous mills located upon 
them. The Burlington and Missouri River Railroad runs in a north 
westerly direction through the county, affording excellent facilities 
to ship surplus products, which, with the Mississippi, gives the pro¬ 
ducer a choice of markets. 

Its principal towns are Burlington, Middletown, Danville. 
Augusta, Kossuth, &c.; but the business of the county is principally 
absorbed by 

Burlington , the' county seat, where the business capital of the 
county is mostly concentrated, and which also enjoys one of the 
most reliable rail road lines, (the Chicago & Burlington,) as an 
eastern outlet, and an equally reliable line of freight and passenger 
boats for the north and south. These, with its numerous and varied 
manufacturing establishments, its extensive wholesale and retail 
dry goods and grocery stores, could not fail to make it not only the 
great trading town of the county but for several of the counties 
north and w’est, as well as for a large slice of Illinois lying opposite 
to it. Its population is about 12,000, and its public and private 
schools, and the character of its church edifices, as well os its 


VAN BUREN AND HENRY COUNTIES. 


15 


private dwellings, will compare favorably with any western city. 
Burlington possesses many locations of great beauty, from which 
can be seen, at an elevation of 150 feet above the Mississippi, some 
of the most striking and beautiful views presented on this noble 
stream. It has two daily and two weekly newspapers. The popu¬ 
lation of the county in 1863 was 21,213. 

VAN BUREN COUNTY 

Is one of the southern tier of counties and the second from the 
Mississippi. For beauty of scenery, extent of cultivation, fertility 
of soil and timber, it ranks among the most favored counties in the 
State, and perhaps combines more variety in its geological features 
than any of her sister counties. Quarries of the best building 
material abound in the bluffs of almost every stream, and bitumin¬ 
ous coal, of excellent quality, has been found in great abundance. 
The Des Moines valley railroad, which passes through the county, 
gives all necessary facilities for the transportation of its surplus 
products, either south or east. 

Keosauqua is the county seat, and is located near the centre of the 
county, on a beautiful plateau in the great bend of the Des Moines. 
Its private and public schools are of a high character and well 
sustained. There are several grist mills in the town and vicinty. 

There are several towns on the river below Keosauqua, the prin¬ 
cipal of which are Bentonsport, Bonaparte and Farmington; and 
above on the river is Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Iowaville, &c., at most 
of which are located flouring mills. There is quite an extensive 
flouring mill at Bentonsport, as also an excellent paper mill. At 
Farmington is the new institution which the patriotic people of the 
State have provided for the Orphans of soldiers, called the “ Or¬ 
phan’s Home,’’ in which there are now about 50 children being 
clothed, fed and educated, altogether by private contributions. 

The earliest settlement in this county was made some thirty years 
since. Its population in 1863 was 15,839. 

HENRY COUNTY 

Was organized in 1836, is in the second tier of counties from the 
south line of the State, and second from the Mississippi. The face 
of the county is generally high, dry and rolling, and is principally 
prairie. The southern half of the county, through which the Skunk 
river runs, possesses probably two thiids of the timber land in the 
county. It enjoys the advantages of the Burlington & Missouri 
Railroad which passes through it from east to west; the principal 
market for surplus products being Burlington, which is 25 miles 
from the centre of the county. It is settled by a very intelligent 
and enterprising population. At Salem, once the county seat, there 
is a large settlement of Friends. 

The principal towns are Mt. Pleasant, Salem, New London, Hills¬ 
borough, Rome, Lowell, &c. 

Ml. Pleasant , the county seat, is well deserving of its name, not 
only for its location, but for the character of its people, its morals. 


10 


DESCRIPTION OF IOWA. 


and its institutions. It is the great educational focus of the Metho¬ 
dist. Episcopal Church for Iowa, where they have quite a large and 
flourishing institution, called the “Icwa Wesleyan University. ’ 
Near this flourishing town is located the “State Insane Asylum, ’ 
on i of the best arranged and best managed institutions of the kind 
in the United States. A visit to it would be very gratifying to any 
one. It is an imposing building in full view of the railroad, on the 
left, as the town is approached from the cast. Its cost was about 
$350,000. The population of Mt. Pleasant is about 2009, and of the 
county 1(5,780. There is a good and well supported weekly news¬ 
paper printed in Mt. Pleasant, and is the only one in the county. 

JEFFERSON COUNTY 

Was organized in 1839, is in the second tier of counties from the 
south line of the State, and the third from the Mississippi. In point 
of fertility of soil, excellence and abundance of timber, and 
healthy location, it ranks among the most desirable counties of 
Iowa. It is well watered by the Skunk river and its tributaries, the 
principal of which are Rig Cedar, Walnut, Richland and Brush 
creeks. These streams all abound with excellent timber, consist¬ 
ing of the leading kinds, oak, hickory, walnut, linn, locust, &c., with 
a sufficient supply of water, generally, to meet all local wants of 
mill power. The facilities for shipping are excellent through the 
Burlington & Missouri River Railroad, which runs through the 
centre of thq county, almost directly east and west. Distance of 
the county seat, which is near its centre, from Burlington, 52 miles. 
The county has extensive and excellent beds of stone coal distrib¬ 
uted through it, which are worked to considerable extent, as 
Burlington, Mt. Pleasant and other points are supplied with it. 

Fairfield , the county seat, on the line of the railroad, is also the 
chief market town of tlie county, from which point very large 
numbers of cattle, hogs, &c. are shipped annually. It is one of the 
oldest towns in the State, and its citizens enjoy a high reputation 
for intelligence, morals and stability of character. It has two 
excellent private schools of high grade, for both sexes, which are 
well sustained. The public schools are also of a high character, 
which reputation they maintain throughout the county. It supports 
well one good newspaper, sometimes there are two. Fairfield 
presents many inducements for a permanent residence, and there 
is, perhaps, no location in the State where manufacturing of all 
kinds could be carried on to better advantage. Town property, 
improved and unimproved, can be had at comparatively very low 
prices. It has a city organization, and a population of about two 
thousand. 

The names of other towns in the county are Libertyville, Abing¬ 
don, Brookville, Salineville, &c. There is a very thriving settle¬ 
ment of Swedes in the eastern portion of the county. 

The population of the county in 18G3 was 11,049. 


DAVIS AND LOUISA COUNTIES. 


IT 


DAVIS COUNTY 

Was organized in 1814, is on the Missouri State line, and the 
second c unity from the Mississippi. It is well watered, especially 
in the eastern half of the county; the Des Moines river runs 
diagonally across the northeast corner of the county. 

The principal towns are Bloomfield, the county scat, near the 
centre of the county, Troy, Drakesville, Nottingham, &c. The 
centre of the county is about eighteen miles from the Des Moines 
Valley railroad. The North Missouri Railroad when completed will 
run through the centre of this county, nortii and south. Cattle and 
hogs are the principal items of export from this county; and corn 
the leading crop. Its soil is very good and similar to that of Monroe 
county; and it has considerable timber bordering on the streams. 
Coal of good quality,as well as stone, are found and worked in most 
parts of the county. 

Its population in 1803 was 13,750. 

LOUISA COUNTY 

Was organized in 1830, lies on the Mississippi immediately north 
of Des Moines county, and is in the third tier of counties from the 
south line of the State. It is well watered by numerous small streams, 
and by the Iowa river which runs diagonally through it., in a 
southeasterly course, and which is sometimes navigable for small 
steamers. “ Wapello prairie, on the south side of the Iowa river, is 
unrivalled in picturesque beauty, terminating in the north-west 
with the town of Wapello, the county seat.” It is well timbered, and 
for fertility of soil is not surpassed. It was once the favorite 
dwelling place of the Sac and Fox Indians, which they vacated in 
1832, when they transferred their lands to the United States. 
Wappello Avas the residence of the Fox Chief of that name, ayIio 
resided there until the summer of 183(5. 

Its principal towns are Wapello, Toolsboro, Columbus City, Grand 
View, Port Louisa, Harrison, Morning Sun, Fredonia. &c. Toolsboro 
contains the remains of many Indian mounds and fortifications. 

“This county embraces a principal portion of the Keokuk 
Reserve, purchased by the Government in 1836. It is a remarkable 
fact, that almost the whole tribe of Sacs and Foxes were congregated 
here until after the first or Black Iiawk purchase of 1832; notwith¬ 
standing they had almost a boundless region fiom which to select 
their villages and hunting-grounds. 

“ Florence derives its principal notoriety from its having been the 
residence of Black Hawk until the Indian hostilities in 1832. Here 
repose the bones of his ancestors, where they have rested for centu¬ 
ries. It was here that he sounded the war-whoop, and rallied his 
countrymen to the last deadly conflict, in defence of the homes and 
the graves 

“‘Where sleep their warriors; Avliere rival chieftains lay, 

And mighty tribes, swept from the face of da}'.” 


18 


DESCRIPTION OF IOWA. 


“But they were conquered, and this illustrious warrior was doomed 
to wander, a stranger in the land of his forefathers. Ilis lodge was 
still standing at the time the country was surveyed.” 

The railroad from Milton Junction to Washington, gives the 
northwestern portion of the county good facilities for shipping pro¬ 
duce; the eastern portion has the Mississippi; the southern part 
trades principally with Burlington, and the northeastern with 
Muscatine. 

The population of the county in 1863 was 10,673. The desire to 
obtain good lands, induced speculators to invest largely in this 
county, hence its comparatively small population, as compared with 
its neighboring counties. Probably one-half of the land in this 
county is owned by non-residents. 

WASHINGTON COUNTY 

Is in the third tier from the south line of the State, and the second 
from the Mississippi. It is well supplied with timber of the pre¬ 
vailing descriptions in the State; it is high and rolling; climate 
salubrious; soil rich and productive. It is well watered by the 
Skunk and its tributaries and English and Crooked creeks; afford¬ 
ing good water power, which has been well occupied. The Iowa 
river flows through the northeast corner of the county. It. enjoys the 
advantages of a railroad connection with the east, from its county 
seat, which is near the centre of the county. 

Washington, also the name of the county seat, is distant by rail 
from the Mississippi 60 miles, and is pleasantly situated on the 
margin of a beautiful prairie, and enjo3-s a large portion of the 
trade of that section of country, in consequence of its position as 
terminus of the Washington branch of the Mississippi & Missouri 
River Railroad. It has an excellent private school which is con¬ 
ducted under the auspices of the United Presbyterian church, and 
the public schools of the town and county are in a good condition. 
An excellent newspaper is printed there. 

Brighton, Wassonville and Richmond are the other principal towns 
in the county. The population of the county in 1863 was 15,003. 


MANUFACTORIES. 


Detailed Exhibit of Manufactories in the First Congressional District , 
in which the product of the smallest exceeds $600 per Annum. 


COUNTIES. 

Dcs Moines. 

Davis. 

Henry . 

Jefferson ... 

Louisa. 

a 

a 

Van Buren.. 

Washington. 

Total. 

Agricultural Implements. 

2 


1 


1 

4 

•••••• 

2 

10 

Boots and Shoes. 

5 

8 

7 

4 

O 

O 

7 

3 

8 

40 

Brushes . 






1 


1 

2 

Cooperage. . 

T 


3 

1 


8 

3 

1 

23 

Clothing, &o. 

G 

1 

G 

2 


5 

2 

8 

25 

Candles. 

2 





2 



4 

Castings, Machinery, &c. . 

o 





5 


1 

8 

Confectionery. . 

1 





1 



2 

Crockery Ware. 

1 


] 




2 

. 

4 

Emrines and Boilers. 

# 

2 





1 


1 

4 

Furniture. 

* 

4 


3 

2 

1 

G 

1 

3 

20 

Flax Mills. 



1 






1 

Gas. 

i 





1 



2 

Leather Tanneries. 

i 


2 

. 


3 

2 

4 

12 

Marble. 

i 


o 

1 


3 


1 

0 

M at dies. 

i 








1 

Oil, Linseed and T.ard . 

2 





1 


• 

8 

Bailroad Cars and Engines. 

1 





1 


•••••• 

0 

M 

Saddles and Harness. 

c 

2 

4 

3 

1 

8 

1 

G 

31 

Sash, Doors and Blinds. 

2 


1 

1 


2 

. 

. 

6 

Tin, Copper and Sheet Iron. 

4 

1 

4 

3 

1 

8 

1 

4 

26 

Woolen Cloths . 

1 


1 




2 

1 

5 

Wagons and Carriages... 

4 


4 



. 

4 



12 

Wine . 

1 





** 

1 



2 

\ inegar. 






2 



2 

Pumps.r.__ 


1 



. .. 



1 

2 

Distilleries . 

1 


8 

2 


— 

t 

1 


15 

Breweries . 

5 


2 

* 

0 

9 

2 

1 

20 

Planing Mills . 

2 





3 

. 

. 

5 














































































































































^0 


DESCRIPTION OF IOWA. 


CHAPTER III. 

SECOND CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 

Tins district is composed of the counties of Scott, Muscatine^ 
Jones, Clinton, Linn, Jackson and Cedar. They contained a popula¬ 
tion of 127,761 at last State Census, January, 1863, which was a 
fraction less than the one-sixth of the whole population of the 
State. 

The total number of acres in the district is 2,615,000, of which 
about 1,050,0)0 acres are improved, leaving something over 1,500,000 
acres unimproved; of the latter 530,000 acres are attached to 
farms. As nearly the whole district is assessed for taxable pur¬ 
poses there is about 970,000 acres probably owned by non-residents 
or corporations. 

Four of the counties in this district lie upon the Mississippi 
river, embracing the termini of two of the leading railroads in the 
State on that river, which are in the counties of Scott, Muscatine 
and Clinton. In every respect this district can not be excelled in 
tlie State, and affords superior advantages in several respects. Our 
limits will not permit us to specify, but we advise the settler, of 
whatever pursuit, not to overlook them in his examinations for a 
location. One of our correspondents says “it is the cream of the 
State.” 


SCOTT COUNTY 

Was organized in 1838, lies on the Mississippi, and is the fifth 
from the south line of the State. 

This county is watered principally by the Wapsipinicon river, 
which flows from the west to the east, forming its northern dividing 
line, and its numerous tributaries; also by a few small tributaries 
of the Mississippi in the southeast. The principal bodies of timber 
lie upon these two rivers, forming its northern and eastern bound¬ 
aries; groves of timber are scattered on the prairies to a limited 
extent. High rolling prairie lands embrace much the larger portion, 
the soil of which is from two to five feet in depth, of the richest 
character. It is essentially one of our best agricultural counties, and 
presents many inducements to the settler, among which are the 
prices of improved and unimproved lands, as they do not range 
higher, if as high, when all the advantages of location are taken 
into consideration, as in the counties further west. There are 
about 40,000 acres of unimproved lands belonging to the farmers, and 
about 125,000 acres unimproved belonging probably to non-residents. 
The ordinary price of breaking lands is $2,50 per acre, but now it 
is $5. Its market facilities are not excelled, as it enjoys at conve¬ 
nient distances from the centre of the county, two ports on the 


MUSCATINE COUNTY. 


21 


Mississippi by the means of the M. & M. Railroad and branch. 
Farm labor pays from $25 to $30 per month for eight and twelve 
months. Carpenters’ and mechanics’ wages generally from $2,25 to 
$3,50 per day. 

Davenport , on the Mississippi, is the county seat, and is one of the 
largest cities in the State on the river, and possessed, by the census 
of 1863, 12,113 inhabitants—but has increased considerably since 
that time. To give all the advantages of location, beauty of scenery, 
&c., which Davenport enjoys would require more space than can 
possibly be given to them in this work. Suffice it to say that for a 
residence, and the facilities for business of all kinds, it is not 
surpassed on the upper Mississippi. Its public schools are of the 
highest character, and crowded with the children of parents of liig.li 
and low degree. The Episcopal Church has a college here which 
enjoys a high reputation. Its manufactories are so varied and 
extensive, that they command the market of a large district of 
country, both on the river and the railroads, even into Illinois, yet 
our correspondent says there is a great opening for more agricultural 
implement manufactories; in fact for more manufactories of all 
kinds. 

There are two daily newspapers published in Davenport and 
several weekly papers, which are well supported by the intelligent 
and consequently reading people of the city and surrounding 
country. 

Davenport has long enjoyed a railroad communication with the 
east, but it now' can draw by the Mississippi & Missouri River 
Railroad, which is completed to Grinnell, in Powesheik county, and 
will be soon to the State Capital, a district of country embracing not 
less than 3,750 square miles, the business of as productive lands as 
lie iu the State. 

Scott county and Davenport should command the attention of the 
farmer, the mechanic and the merchant. 

LeClaire, is a beautiful and thriving town in the same county, 
located at the head of the rapids, about 12 miles from Davenport, 
named after Antoine Le Claire, Esq., who settled in the county in 
1833, and who died only a year or two since, highly respected by his 
bereaved fellow citizens. 

MUSCATINE COUNTY 

Was organized in 1838, is located on the Mississippi, and is the 
fourth eastern county from the southern line of the State. 

It is well watered: the principal stream being the Cedar river, 
which flows through the county from the north, a little west of the 
centre. Timber is also well distributed throughout the county. The 
soil is deep alluvial upland bottom — a few sand plains on the 
river bottoms and on the high prairie ridges, and a small quantity 
of swamp or wet lands covered with sloughs and rank swamp 
grasses. There are some extensive coal banks in the northern part 
of the county. 

Prices of improved lands $20 to $40, unimproved lands $5 to $20. 
Breaking $4 per acre, and fencing $5 per acre. Farm hands, per 


DESCRIPTION' OF IOWA. 


22 

year, $2 > per month ; mechanics $2,50 per day The best market 
for surplus products is at Muscatine, which is about six miles from 
the geographical centre. No county in the State is better situated 
for the shipment of produce east. 

There are not less than 26 to 30 organized churches in the county, 
and 68 school houses. Education has received great attention in 
this county, Muscatine having one good graded school. 

Muscatine is a city of about 8000 inhabitants, and ranks among 
the leading export towns on the Mississippi, having two branches 
of the Mississippi & Missouri River Railroad. It has two extensive 
saw mills, one of which is probably the largest in the State, which 
runs 94 saws; besides several planing mills and sash and door 
factories, furniture manufactories, two extensive pork packing 
. establishments, three flouring mills, &c. A woolen manufactory and 
Sorgo manufactory and refinery are needed and would pay. 

Muscatine has a good daily and two weekly newspapers. 

The amount of land improved in the county is about 107,000 acres, 
the quantity of unimproved lands about 193,000 acres, one half of 
which is probably owned by non-residents. 

JONES COUNTY 

Was organized in 1839, is the fourth from the north line of the 
State, and second from the Mississippi. 

It is well watered by the Maquoketa and Wapsipinicon rivers and 
their numerous tributaries. Along these streams, stone of the best 
quality for building purposes is found in abundance. Limestone of 
a superior quality is also found in many parts of the county. The 
county is well supplied with timber. The soil, like that of other 
counties in that section of the State, is unsurpassed for fertility, and 
well adapted to the growth of all kinds of grain. The tame or 
cultivated grasses do well, and in many places white clover has run 
out the prairie grasses, thus affording superior pasturage. 

Considerable attention is given to the manufacture of cheese, and 
some of the best dairymen in the State reside in this county as is 
proven by the premiums awarded by State and county Agricultural 
Societies, and the high price which their products command in the 
market. The great success in fruit growing has induced the farmers 
generally to plant orchards’; even peaches have been grown during 
.this year (1864), in several places on the ridges and high lands. 

The numerous streams afford a large amount of water power, and 
some of the best flouring and saw mills in the State are found here. 
It is well supplied with churches and schools, and it has an indus¬ 
trious, intelligent and enterprising population. 

The principal towns are Anamosa (the county seat), Monticello. 
Wyoming, Bowen’s Prairie and Rome. 

CLINTON COUNTY 

> Was organized in 1840, lies on the Mississippi river, in the sixth 
tier of counties from the north State line. It consists mostly of rich 
prairie land, rolling, and interspersed with groves of timber. It is 


LINN COUNTY. 


23 


not naturally so well watered by living streams as the contiguous 
counties. No county ranks higher in the general intelligence of its 
inhabitants, or the fruitfulness of its soils. Its schools are in a 
flourishing condition, and at Clinton may be found two of the most 
spacious public school buildings in the county: one frame and one 
brick, in which are graded schools. There are 97 public school 
houses in the county, in a population of 20,000, and 117 school 
districts, in all of which there are schools. 

The principal towns are Lyons, Clinton, Camanche and De Witt, 
the county seat. The latter is located near the centre of the county 
on the line of the Cedar Rapids Railroad ; the others on the Missis¬ 
sippi. At Clinton commences what is generally called in the State 
the Cedar Rapids Railroad, but which is in fact a continuation of 
the Chicago & Galena Railroad, now called for the entire line the 
“ Chicago & Northwestern Railroad.” They are all places of prom¬ 
inence as business towns, &c. The principal offices of the road 
mentioned, for Iowa, are kept at Clinton. Each of these towns 
support a good newspaper. 

The prices of farms, farming lands, labor, &c., range about tho 
same as in the contiguous counties. Of the 428,472 acres of land 
taxed, there are but 177,813 under cultivation. 


LINN COUNTY 

Was organized in 1839, is tho fourth county from the north State 
line, and the third from the Mississippi. 

It is well watered by the Cedar and Wapsipinicon rivers and 
their numerous tributaries, on which there are some fine bodies of 
timber. The county presents one of the finest agricultural regions 
in the State, and has within it a larger number, probably, of the 
best tilled farms, than any other county in the State; of course 
general useful intelligence is well diffused. The streams afford 
sufficient water power for all home purposes. 

There are two colleges in the county in a flourishing condition, one 
at Mt. Vernon, in the southeast corner of the county, and one at 
Western, near the southwest corner. Its public schools arc among 
the best, which are distributed all over the county. 

Cedar Rapids, the principal town, is located on the Cedar river, 
and is one of the most flourishing towns in the State, has several 
large flouring mills, and is the commercial centre of the county. It 
is the most prominent point on the line of the railroad running from 
Clinton west, known as the Cedar Rapids road. It will also soon 
enjoy a railroad connection with Dubuque and other points in the 
State. The large amount of water power here, presents great 
inducements for the location of manufactories of nearly all kinds, 
with an easy access to home and foreign markets. It has a popula¬ 
tion of about 1,700, 

Mt. Vernon, the seat of a college, is beautifully located on a small 
high prairie, nearly surrounded by timber. The college site has a 
very commanding view of the town and surrounding country. It 
is a well laid out and flourishing 'town, is connected by railroad 


24 


DESCRIPTION OF IOWA. 


with Cedar Rapids and the Mississippi. The population of that 
township is near 3000. 

Marion, a flourishing and beautiful town, is the county seat,located 
within six miles of Cedar Rapids. Good newspapers are published 
at Cedar Rapids, Mt. Vernon and Marion.’ 

JACKSON COUNTY 

Was organized in 1838, lies on the Mississippi river, and is the 
fourth from the north line of the State. 

This county is well watered throughout by the Maquoketa river, 
its branches and tributaries. The surface of the county along the 
eastern boundary is quite broken. Persons moving into the State 
through this county being generally dissatisfied with its appear¬ 
ance, push on further west, yet experience has demonstrated that 
even these broken lands are well adapted to the growth of all kinds 
of grains; and for fruits equal to any lands in the State, which with 
their market facilities, render them very valuable. Off the Missis¬ 
sippi the prairies are beautifully rolling, and are unsurpassed for 
fertility. One of the largest and most valuable tracts of timbered 
lands in the State is situated in this county, between the north and 
south branches of the Maquoketa river, in which are found all 
varieties of timber common to this section of the State, the prin¬ 
cipal portion of which is hard maple. The county is well supplied 
with stone for building purposes, and has sufficient water power for 
extensive manufacturing purposes. The farmers of this county are 
taking advantage of their superior locations for raising fruit of all 
kinds. Large bodies of iron ore exist in this county. 

One of the most remarkable caves in the whole western country 
has been found near Iron Hill, between the north and south 
branches of the Maquoketa in this county. This cave is destined 
to become a resort for pleasure seekers and those who wish to 
examine the astonishing wonders of nature. 

The Maquoketa river is navigable, in favorable seasons, as far up 
as the village of Maquoketa, and having the Mississippi as one of 
its boundary lines the county is convenient to market. 

Its principal towns are Andrew, (the county seat,) Maquoketa, 
Bellevue, Sabula, La Mott and Canton. 

CEDAR COUNTY 

Was organized and settlq^l in 183G, and is the second from the 
Mississippi, in the central tier of counties. 

It is composed generally of the first quality prairie soil, well 
adapted for all kinds of grain and grasses, as is evidenced from 
its productions, and it is generally watered by the tributaries 
of the Cedar. Through the northeast corner flows the Wapsipin 
icon. On both of these rivers are large bolts of timber, and the 
county is interspersed with small groves of timber. The prairies 
are high and rolling. 

The Cedar Rapids Railroad runs through the northern tier of 
townships, and the Mississippi & Missouri River Railroad through the 





Designed by John Brown, Architect, Des Moines. 

IOWA STATE AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE. 




































































































































































































































































































































































MANUFACTORIES. 


25 


southeast and southwest corners of the county, affording excellent 
facilities for transportation of surplus produce, &c. Mechanicsville, 
Loudon, Clarence and Red Oak are towns of considerable business 
on the former road; on the latter, in the southeast corner is Durand, 
and in the southwest corner, Downey, also towns of business. 

Tipton, the county seat, is located exactly in the centre of the 
county, in which is a good newspaper. 

This county should not be overlooked by the settler. 


Manufactories in the Second Congressional District , as given by the 

United Stales Assessor. 


DESCRIPTIONS. 

Muscatine.. 

Scott . 

o 

5’ 

c-*- 

O 

P_ 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Jones. 

Jackson.... 

Linn. 

Cedar. 

Total. 

Tin and Sheet, Tron ............. 

5 

2 

5 

5 

2 

9 

4 

1 

6 

2 

• • • • 

3 

1 

20 

5 

33 

1 

31 

1 

6 

3 

4 

2 

6 

3 

5 

3 

11 

4 

14 

2 

2 

45 

9 

2 

14 

1 

4 

1 

5 
o 

Jm 

1 

4 

4 

1 

1 

Wagons and Pumps. 

Harness and Saddlew.. 

2 

1 

4 

2 

G 

3 

W aeons.... 

"Roots and Shoes ................ 

6 

6 

5 

2 

6 

2 

1 

Carriages ....... 

T a ? 1 ors.. 

6 






Woolen Cloth. 

1 

2 

1 

1 

1 

1 



1 

1 

• e • • 

Pumps... 

2 

1 

4 

2 

3 



P1 o\vs ..... 






Pottery Ware.... 




1 

• • • • 

Coffins..... 




•Soda Water... 

1 

2 

1 

2 





Cane Mills ...... .. 



1 

• 0 • • 

Coone.ra.cre ... 

4 

1 

2 

1 

1 

8 

3 

1 

10 

1 

1 

12 

3 

• • • • 

3 

fia.sh and Rlind .. 



C! i cr;i rs.. ..... ... .. 



2 

• • • • 

Soap . *... 

• • • • 



... 


.... 


.... 


T^ntcViprs .... 

9 

1 

4 

1 

1 

2 

• • • • 

• • • • 

6 

4 

1 

3 

4 

• • • • 

0 • • • 

2 

Pnrni tore... 

Panning Mills..... 


Cloth in o’.. 


6 

3 

1 

Railroad Cars.................. 



L 

M arhl e..... 


3 

.... 


1 

1 

1 

0 0 0 0 

0 0 0 0 

0 0 0 * 

Washing Maehines ..... 



.... 


C!nst.inera ... 


2 

2 

1 

4 

3 

1 

1 

! i 

2 

.... 


Vi n pern r.... . 




Iron .-. 







A crrip.nl f n rp 1 Tm nl p,m pn fcs ....... 












1 

0 0 0 0 

ftViin Unilrlincr.. 





1 n n lr T^rtnlf ... 







Spice and Coffee Mills. 







1 


The above are all reported as doing business of $500 and over. There are 
probably 20 or 30 other establishments doing a lea? business, among the 

different ela*s*« named above. 

2 










































































































26 


DESCRIPTION OF IOWA. 


CHAPTER IV. 

THIRD CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 

Tms district is composed of the counties of Dubuque, Clayton, 
Alamakee, Winneshiek, Howard, Mitchell, Buchanan, Floyd, Chick¬ 
asaw, Bremer, Fayette and Delaware. 

The population of this district is 134,276 as per State-census of 
1863. The whole area embraces 4,521.600 acres of land, of which 
there are cultivated about 940,000 acres. Of the uncultivated lands 
there are about 882,000 acres attached to farms. As there are not 
much over 40.000 acres not assessed for taxable purposes, the 
balance of the unimproved lands, amounting to not less than 
2,500,000 acres, is owned by non-resident individuals or corporations. 
This is a large body of land from which to select farms, and as 
the most of which is located in counties already fairly settled, with 
school houses and churches erected sufficient to accommodate a 
population of double the number, they must be desirable. And, as 
to health and the excellent character of its population, ‘being mostly 
from the Eastern States,’ with its vast agricultural resources, it can 
not be surpassed. 


DUBUQUE COUNTY 

Was organized in 1834, lies on the Mississippi, and is the third 
from the north line of the State. 

“Dubuque is one of the oldest counties in the State, being ono 
of the two original districts from which the principal eastern 
counties were formed. It embraces the most noted portions of the 
mineral region of the northwest, and singular as it may appear, 
though in the very heart of the mineral region, the soil is generally 
of the most productive character, yielding large crops of grain. 
Lead is the great staple of export. Copper and Zinc have been 
discovered in small quantities. Valuable lodes of lead are frequently 
being developed.” 

The county west of Dubuque, is strikingly beautiful, and from 
the heights around the city of Dubuque, the views .are magnificent. 
ItAs well watered. The prairies are rolling, interspersed with groves 
of timber timber in considerable quantities skirt its numerous 
streams, which also afford good water power. 

Improved lands are held at $15 to $25 per acre, unimproved at $6 
to $10 per acre. Breaking prairie, costs $4, and fencing $4 per 
acre. Farm hands’ wages are from $15 to $25 per mouth, and 
mechanics’ wages $2 to 2,50 per day. 

Of the manufactories of useful articles in operation, there are 
cabinet and chair factories, iron foundries, boiler makers, copper and 
tin-smiths, sash and door factories, flour and lumber mills, carriage 


DUBUQUE COUNTY 27 

rvnd wagon shops. There are also in the county one or two woolen 
factories, of which there are more needed. 

To give some view of the agriculture of the county, the following 
brief description of ‘the corporation of New Malleray,” may not be 
uninteresting: This establishment, founded in 1850, is situated in 
\ ernon Township, about twelve miles southwest of Dubuque, and 
about H miles from the military road. The farm consists of about 
2000 acres of the richest quality of prairie land, with sufficient 
timber at a convenient distance. The finest and largest herd of 
Durham or Short-horned cattle, perhaps in the State, is found here. 
During the past year a barn 50 by 250 feet has been erected, the 
basement of which accommodates from 200 to 800 head of cattle, 
whilst above an immense quantity of hay and grain can be stowed 
away. About 1200 acres are devoted to timothy and clover. A 
large orchard and vineyard has been planted, which, when at matu¬ 
rity, will furnish an immense quantity of apples, pears and grapes. 
A visit to New Malleray will amply r(pay those who wish to see the 
west improved system of agriculture carried out to perfection; the 
be3t herds of cattle, and the finest garden and vineyard to be found 
in the northwest. The visitor will also find in Father Bernard 
and ‘his associates, gentlemen of education, refinement and good 
taste, whose generous hospitality is unbounded, whose kindly 
welcome is ever extended with true Christian courtesy to all who 
come in friendship or distress—rich and poor, are alike welcome— 
none are sent empty away. A day spent at New Malleray, like 
“a thing of beauty, is a joy forever.” 

Dubuque, by the State census of 1803, contained 12,681 inhab¬ 
itants. It possesses in location, commercial and manufacturing 
facilities, all the elements necessary for a large and growing city. 
The Dubuque and Sioux City railroad, to terminate on tlie Missouri 
river, and the Dubuque Southwestern railroad and branches, 
all concentrate here, and by the means of the Mississippi river, and 
the Illinois Central railroad, shipments can be made by rail or 
water, to all parts of the globe. The city lias two daily newspapers 
and several weekly newspapers; and its public and private schools 
are not excelled in all the northwest, not only for the extensive 
accommodations afforded, but for thoroughness in a refined educa¬ 
tion. For the following exhibit of the public schools in Dubuque, 
we are indebted to Hon. Tkos. Hardie, Secretary of the Board of 
Education of the City: 

“The first, third and fourth wards have excellent brick buildings 
for public schools, similar to the one presented in the annexed 
view, which were erected at a cost of $40,000 each, and one at a 
cost of $500—total cost $120,500—on which there is a debt of only 
$1,500. Number of pupils in attendance for past school year 1624, 
at an average cost for tuition per week for each scholar of 26^ 
cents. Number of Teachers now employed, three males and thirty- 
six females. Salaries paid to the three principals, $100 per month 
for a term of ten months, or $1000 per annum. To the female 
teachers in the German Department $85 per month, all others $30 
per month. Tho schools are graded, and as particular care has 


DESCRIPTION OF IOWA. 


28 

been taken to exclude every tiling of a sectarian and partisan 
character, they are very popular with all classes, without regard 
to nation or creed.” During the past fall the Editor visited one of 
these schools and can bear testimony to its admirable management 
and adaptation to all the requisitions of a first rate school. 

CLAYTON COUNTY 

Is in the second tier from the north boundary of the State, and 
lies on the Mississippi river. 

Probably no county in the State has greater inducements for tho 
agriculturist or manufacturer than Clayton. Its present high rep¬ 
utation is an evidence of this. 

“The principal water courses are Yellow and Turkey rivers, Vol¬ 
ga and Buck creeks, and Bloody run, all of which are skirted with 
good timber, more or less. Turkey river, which flows diagonally 
through the county from the northwest to the southeast, is among 
the most beautiful and placid streams in the State, and is celebrated 
for its numerous geological specimens, and the picturesque scenery 
of its banks and dells. It affords most excellent water power for 
mills, and is navigable the greater part of the year as far up as the 
forks, at Elkport.” These streams afford not less than forty good 
water powers. 

The principal towns in the county are McGregor, Garnavillo, Clay¬ 
ton, Guttenburg, Elkport, Elkador, the county seat, Farmersburg, 
Brookville, &c. The county is well settled throughout with a very 
thriving and intelligent population. There are thirty-nine churches 
of the different denominations, and 106 school houses, some of them 
®f the first class. McGregor is the great commercial town for tlie 
county, and for a large distrietpf country north and west of it; and 
as a grain market its facilities are such for shipment, that it enters 
into strong competition with all its neighboring cities. It has a 
population of over 2000, and one or two good newspapers. The 
amount of business transacted by some of its merchants would 
astonish even a Chicago dealer. No wonder when they have such a 
large productive district to draw upon. Young as she is, not even 
ranked among the villages of the county only eight years ago, she 
is now among the leading business towns on the Upper Missis¬ 
sippi. It is from this point, that the McGregor Western Railroad 
commences, and which is to stretch across the State near the 43d line 
of latitude, until it reaches the Missouri river; some thirty miles 
of which will be finished this year. 

Improved farms can be had for fifteen to thirty-five dollars per 
acre, unimproved lands from five to fifteen dollars per acre, and 
timber land at ten dollars per acre. Mechanics’ wages are three 

dollars per day. Price of cord wood delivered five dollars and a 
half. 

Of the 500,000 acres in this county, there are but 128,000 under 
cultivation, but the remainder is principally in private hands. 


ALAMAKEE COUNTY. 


29 


ALAMAKEE COUNTY 

Occupies the extreme northeast portion of the State, being 
bounded on the north by Minnesota and east by the Mississippi 
rnei. j he entire surface of the county is more or less rolling, thus 
giving a pleasing variety to the landscape and good surface drain¬ 
age to the soil. Though lying directly on the Mississippi rive> - , the 
land lies high, rising almost perpendicularly about 400 feet fr< m 
the shore, then gradually rising back, till at Waukon near the 
centre of the county, it is 655 feet above the river level. 

All the streams run in narrow valleys, hemmed in by abrupt 
bluffs, in altitude equal to the general level of the adjacent farming 
lands. They are very clear and pure, being formed entirely of 
spiings, abounding in speckled trout. This prince of fish, which is 
not found south of this county, affording another proof of the sweet¬ 
ness and purity of Alamakee county waters. They are .all rapid 
streams. Upper Iowa and Yellow rivers, Hickory, Williams, Paint, 
\ ill age, Coon, Trench, Silver, Patterson, Bear and Waterloo creeks, 
afford immense numbers of very constant water powers, mostly 
unimproved. 

The soil of the county is much varied. About one-third its area 
is prairie, hazel thickets and river bottom, consisting of a black 
loam from 20 to 40 inches in depth, light in texture, easily tilled, 
never wet, and of such wonderful fertility that over 40 bushels of 
wheat and 100 bushels of corn per acre have been grown without 
manure of any kind. About one-sixth of its area is burr oak 
openings, scarcely inferior to the prairie in richness. One half its 
area is white oak and hickory openings, in which the soil is less in 
depth, lighter in color, heavier in texture, and producing somewhat 
less growth of corn and straw, but a finer quality of wheat than 
the prairie. Its chief deficiency seems to be in vegetable mould, 
consequently it responds w r ell to the use of fertilizers, and under 
liberal treatment makes durable and valuable farms. 

Lands can be bought in a state of virgin fertility at from 3 to 18 
dollars per acre, varying with quality of soil, convenience of water, 
timber, towns, roads, &c. One hundred and sixty acres of good 
land can be bought for about $7 per acre—$1,120. Breaking the 
same at $3 per acre, $480, Fencing three-fourths of the same 
with rails, $320. Making, for 160 acres of tho best land in the 
world, $1,920, fenced, paid for and plowed all ready for seed, and 
of such inexhaustible fertility as to excite the wonder and often 
the unbelief of eastern cultivators. Improved lands can often be 
bought for the cost of the land and improvements. Good farms 
can thus be got for about 15 dollars per acre. 

Farm laborers at present command about 21 to 25 dollars p>er 
month, day laborers $1,25 to $1,50 per day, and mechanics 2 to 3 
dollars per day. 

The manufactures in this county are few and unimportant. 
There are plenty of saw and grist mills, and a few small plow and 
wagon shops; but the great want of this county is extensive 
establishments for tho manufacture of agricultural implements, such 
as reapers, moirerg, threshers, plow 5 *;, drags, fanning mills, drills, 


30 


DESCRIPTION OF IOWA. 


&?., & 3 ., for which abundant water power and great tracts of 
convenient and suitable timber afford wonderful facilities. Choice 
water powers can be got for a song, and heavy timber, suitable for 
manufacturing purposes, convenient thereto, can be bought at 5 to 
10 dollars per acre, and a market at the manufactory tor all manu¬ 
factures. The great increase of sheep husbandry will soon demand 
that our crystal streams shall no longer babble lazily over their 
pebbly beds in useless beauty, but that, they shall be harnessed to 
tire spindle and loom, and thus be made to yield a music no less 
pleasant than the unfettered stream, and a music that shall tell of 
our wives and daughters released from the drudgery of the spin¬ 
ning wheel and shuttle, and ourselves from the monopoly of rail¬ 
roads and steamboats, and speculators in wool. 

Alamakee county, lying as it does on the Mississippi river, has 
ft market there for all her surplus products, without the laborious 
cartage of inland counties; and more, she has direct, access to the 
great pineries of Minnesota and Wisconsin for lumber for fencing 
and building purposes. Fencing timber three years since could be 
bought iii the raft for 7 to 8 dollars per thousand. The currency 
and low water in the river causes it to be somewhat higher now. 

This county has the usual school facilities of the State, and in 
addition the Alamakee College and Academy, at Waukon, the centre 
of the county, which gives such as choose a fine opportunity for 
ihe acquirement of a more thorough education than can be obtained 
in the common schools. 

The climate is particularly inviting to immigrants from the north¬ 
eastern States and the British Provinces. The great elevation an 1 
rolling surface of our prairies render them free from tho i c mias¬ 
matic vapors so prevalent in some western localities, consequently 
fever and ague is as much unknown on the high prairies here as it 
is in New Hampshire or Massachusetts; and furthermore, the dry, 
bracing air, peculiar to these localities, proves a sovereign pre¬ 
ventive and sometimes cure of consumption, that scourge of New 
England. The writer of this (of a consumptive family) left Massa¬ 
chusetts at the age of 21, with a cough of three years’ standing and 
weight less than 120 lbs.; he is now at the age of 38, weight 1G0 
lbs., in robust health, tilling the bounteous soil of Allamakee. In 
fact, consumption is almost as uncommon here as yellow fever in 
New England. 

Our soil is such as would gladden the heart of an eastern farmer. 
Corn grows on the same ground for a lifetime without manure 
without any perceptible decrease of crops. For wheat this is one of 
the best counties in the West. Potatoes, melons, cabbage, and other 
garden “truck,” are grown with astonishing ease; currants, goose¬ 
berries, strawberries, grapes and raspberries flourish in the highest 
peilection. Plums of fair quality grow wild in unstinted abun¬ 
dance, and the apples of Iowa challenge the world. That the soil of 
Iowa is eminently adapted to the growth of fruits, no one will deny 
who is at all acquainted with the facts. Hear what Prof. Barry of 
Rochester, N. T., the monarch of American Nurserymen, says of us 
after a visit to a Fruit Growers' meeting in Iowa : 


WINNESHIEK AND HOWARD COUNTIES. 


31 


“I am sure you have enjoyed your journey, and return home as I 
“have done, thankful that you had lived to see the Garden of 
“ America, those vast prairies in the Valley of the Mississippi, 
“where nature has prepared a soil of the most wonderful fertility , 
“ the deepest and richest that the spade or plow ever entered. All 
“this you will readily assent to now that you have visited this 
“ wonderful country and seen for yourself the growth of the trees and 
“ the size of the fruits .” With all these advantages to oiler, Ala- 
makee county says of her lands, as the famous Chapman did of his 
razor strops : “ A few more left of the same sort.” 

WINNESHEIK COUNTY 

Was organized in 1851, is one of the northern tier, and second 
from the Mississippi. 

“ Its soil is not excelled, being a rich black loam, with a depth of 
from one to six feet, and has a slight mixture of sand. The deepest 
soil is upon the bottoms. It is well timbered; about one-fourth is 
heavily timbered, one-third prairie, the balance burr oak openings, 
affording plenty of fine wood and rails. It is well watered by the 
Upper Iowa, Turkey, and Canoe rivers.” The character of the 
streams are similar to those of Alamakce county, east of this 
county, including fish. In general the surface of the country is 
gently rolling; near the large streams bluffy, but the high lands 
are easily accessible. The prairies are small, well watered and 
agreeably diversified with groves and thickets. It is claimed for it 
that it cannot be excelled for stock raising, and that sheep do re¬ 
markably well. For general health it is the same as is claimed for 
Alamakee county. Excellent water po\vers can be found all over 
the county. The prices of lands, &c., about the same as in tlio 
neighboring counties. Excellent building stone in the county 

Decorah, (the county seat) is beautifully located on the Upper 
Iowa river, near the centre of the county, 24 miles from the Missis¬ 
sippi. Lansing, on the Mississippi, is the principal trading point 
of the county on that river. It has some large manufactories, and 
its general business commands an extensive trade with the counties 
west of it. There is an excellent, bridge here over the Towa river, 
and a good newspaper is published here. The other principal 
towns are Frankville, Freeport, Ft. Atkinson, &c. 

HOWARD COUNTY 

Was organized in 1855, is in the northern tier of counties, and 
the third from the Mississippi. 

The headwaters of the Wapsipinicon and Turkey rivers rise prin¬ 
cipally in this county, the former skirting nearly its western 
boundary; the headwaters of the Upper Iowa flow through the 
northern tier of townships. On all these streams there is more or 
less timber, and groves of timber are scattered over the county, but 
the lands are principally prairie—some high and beautifully roll¬ 
ing, and some flat and rather wet in wet seasons, yet drainage can 
•readily be effected. The soil is generally deep and very rich. The 
county is doubtless well adapted for stock raising. 


32 


DESCMF'IMON OF IOWA. 


The McGregor Western Railroad will ere long afford Eastern rail¬ 
road connection within 15 miles of the centre of the county; at 
present Lansing, on the Mississippi, about 55 distant from the same 
point, is the outlet for surpjus products. 

New Oregon, on the east side of the county, is the county scat, 
and contains a population of about 1000 inhabitants. The Turkey 
river, on which it lies, affords some good water power at this point. 
Howard Centre is probably destined ultimately to be the county 
seat. 


MITCHELL COUNTY 

Was organized in 1854, is in the northern tier of counties, and 
the fourth from the Minnesota line. 

This county was first settled in 1853, and now contains about 
4000 inhabitants. Situated in the northern tier of counties, and 
100 miles west of the Mississippi, its prosperity has been somewhat 
retarded for the want of facilities to transport its surplus products 
to market. The extension of the McGregor and Western Railroad, 
and of the Cedar Fulls and Minneapolis Railroad, (both passing 
through the county) will soon give the people a choice of markets at 
home. 

Its gently rolling surface—its deep black soil—its pure water 
from never-failing streams and springs—its extensive quarries of 
limestone—its ample supply of timber, and its unsurpassed facili¬ 
ties for manufacturing afforded by the Cedar river, are attracting 
the attention of eastern people seeking western homes. Unimproved 
lands are worth from $3 to $7 per acre; improved lands from $12 
to $25 per acre. . 

An index to the character of its inhabitants is seen in their con¬ 
tributions to the “Northern Iowa Sanitary Fair,” held at Dubuque 
in June, 1834; they having contributed more in proportion to their 
wealth than any other county in the State. 

The average price of unimproved lands is $5 per acre; cost 
of breaking lands $3 per acre; fencing with post and board $1 per 
rod, with oak rails GO cents per rod. The cost of 40 acres ready for 
the seed would be $500, as follows: land $200, breaking $120, a 
seven rail fence $180. 

There are no manufactories in the county, but there are needed 
one for working up flax, and one for wool, which would be well 
sustained. “ We have just as good land for raising flax, sorghum 
and wool, as is to be found in the United States, but we lack the 
facilities for working up the raw material. An oil mill would add 
immensely to the wealth of our county, and open a new field of en¬ 
terprise to our farmers very much needed.” Wages of farm hands 
from $20 to $10 per month; mechanics 2 to 3 dollars per day. 

BUCHANAN COUNTY 

Was organized in 1857, and is the third county from the north line 
of the State and from the Mississippi the east line. 

This county has a fair supply of living streams well distributed. 
Ths Wapsipiuieon river flows through it, from the northwest to iko 


FLOTD COUNTT. 


53 ‘ 

northeast corner, -which has numerous tributaries; there are also 
numerous tributaries of the Cedar river in the southwestern part,- 
“Oak timber is abundant along the streams, and deep soiled rolling 
prairie between the water courses. The streams are rather rapid, 
with gravely or rocky beds. Limestone abundant. Soil generally 
rich sandy loam.” There are a fair number of flouring and saw¬ 
mills in the county. 

Prices of land, &c., about the same as in contiguous counties. 

The principal towns are Independence and Quasqueton. The 
former is located near the centre of the county, on the Dubuque and 
Sioux City Railroad, which runs through the county from tlie east. 
Dubuque is the market for surplus products destined for the east 
which is about 67 miles from Independence. A good newspaper is 
published at Independence. 

There are nearly 300,000 acres of land in this county not under 
cultivation, principally owned, however, by private parties. Settlers 
would do well to look at the advantages presented in this county for 
good, cheap, and well located lands. 

FLOYD COUNTY 

Was organized in 185-1, is the fourth county from the Mississippi 
river, and the second from the north line of the State. 

The price of improved land ranges according to location and 
improvements from ten to thirty dollars per acre; unimproved 
prairie land from two to ten dollars per acre; cost of breaking, two 
to five dollars per acre; of fencing, thirty cents to one dollar per 
rod—a fair fence can be built for from fifty to seventy-five cents per 
rod. 

There are three good flouring mills within the county; one plow- 
manufactory, at leas.t six carriage shops, and the usual kinds of 
machine shops in all the principal villages, including Charles City, 
Floyd, Rockford and Marble Rock. Several brick manufacturers 
would find a very desirable opening, good material and market. 

Price of labor: farm hands ranges from one to three dollars per 
day, at different seasons; carpenters and other mechanics one 
dollar and a half to three and a half per day. 

The usual routes to market with surplus farm produce are via 
McGregor or Dubuque, both on the Missisippi river; and one of the 
nearest points to a Railroad is, at Cedar Falls, Black Hawk county, 
forty-five miles distant; it is now completed and cars are running 
to Waverly, Bremer counts', only thirty miles distant; within one 
year it is expected that the Railroad from McGregor will tee within 
the same, or a less distance; and this road, and the road from Cedar 
Falls to Minneapolis in Minnesota—each now rapidly constructing 
—will intersect the county nearly at right angles, and at no distant 
day. 

There is at present a daily stage line from Cedar Falls up the 
Cedar River, passing through Floyd county, and extending to 
Mitchell, and an excellent newspaper at Charles City. 


34 


DESCRIPTION OF IOWA. 


A large amount of unimproved lands arc still held by residents 
and non-residents, many of which could be bought upon advanta¬ 
geous terms. 

Immigrants are rapidly moving into the county. 

The soil is excellent for wheat, corn, sugar cane, dairying or stock 
raising, and there is scarcely any waste land within the county. 

The supply of timber is good, better than an average. 

Probably not more than half the lands within the county are at 
this time occupied. 

The general course of the streams is east. The principal one is 
the Cedar, or Red Cedar river, rising seventy miles northwest in the 
State of Minnesota. The other principal streams are the Shell 
Rock, Lime and Little Cedar rivers, Each of these affords good and 
durable water power. 


CHICKASAW COUNTY 

Lies in the second tier of counties from the north line of the 
State, the third from the Mississippi, and Avas organized in 1859. 

It is well watered, having live large streams flowing through 
it, with their numerous branches. Its soil is not to be excelled, and 
the county is interspersed throughout with timber and high and 
rolling prairie, but the greater portion is timber. Its streams afford 
numerous good water powers, some of which require improvement 
to supply the necessities of its fast increasing population, 

Nearly all the land in the county is assessed for taxable purposes, 
and as there are of this, only 80,000 acres under cultivation, there 
is left not less than 275,000 acres, the most of which, it is probable, 
can be purchased at from 2,50 to 5 dollars per acre. 

New Bradford is the county seat, near the centre of the county, 
but the principal settlement is in the southwest partot the county, in 
and near Bradford which is near the junction of the Little and Big 
Cedar rivers, and which is the largest and most flourishing tow'n in 
the county. Fredericksburg, on the East Wapsipinicon, is also a 
thriving town. 

The McGregor Western Railroad line is laid out through this 
county, but the nearest point to railroad facilities, is Cedar Falls, 
which is about forty miles from the centre of the county, and about 
thirty miles from Bradford. 

In forty-eight school districts there are forty-seven good school 
houses. No county in the State can boa3t. of a more intelligent., in¬ 
dustrious and thriving population, and for health it is unsur¬ 
passed. 


BREMER COUNTY 

Was first settled in 1848, and was organized in 1853. It lies in 
the third tier of counties from the northern line, and the third from 
the Mississippi. It is well watered by numerous large streams, on 
which there is abundance of water power. It is one of the most 
favored counties in the State for agricultural purposes, which is 
evidenced fiom its rapidly increasing population. Timber is fairly 


FAYETTE AND DELAWARE COUNTIES. 


35 


distributed throughout the county; and there is one celebrated 
belt, stretching southeast from the county seat, embracing about forty 
sections. The scenery in this county is bold and pleasing, especially 
is this the case around Waverly, the flourishing county seat. 

Improved farms can be obtained for from $10 to 25 per acre, unim¬ 
proved lands from $2,60 to 10 per acre. The -wages of farm hands 
and mechanics are much higher than usual. In ordinary times the 
former average about $20 per month by the year; the latter from 
$!,50 to $2 per day. Prices are now at least fifty per cent higher. 

The principal towns are Waverly and Janesville. The former, 
which is the county seat, on the east bank of the Cedar river, has a 
fine flouring mill, saw mill, &c. Janesville is situated six miles 
below Waverly, and both are located in the southwest portion of the 
county, from which points railroad facilities can be had at distances 
ranging from twelve to fifteen miles. (Since writing the above, the 
Cedar Valley Railroad lias been completed to Waverly.) 

The county is well provided with schools and churches, and has 
an excellent newspaper at Waverly. 

FAYETTE COUNTY 

Lies in the second tier from the north boundary of the State, the 
second from the Mississippi, and west of Clayton county. The gen¬ 
eral character of the soil is very similar to that of Clayton county. 
Turkey river, which flows through its northeast corner, presents 
also its general characteristics. The county generally has good 
water privileges. The prices of land, labor, &c., are about the same 
as in Clayton county. From the centre of the county to its market 
for surplus products for the east, at McGregor, is about 35 miles. 

West Union, located near the centre of the county, (the county 
seat,) is a beautiful and thriving town, of considerable business, and 
has a population of about 1500 of an excellent class of citizens. 

Of its 4G0,000 acres of land, not over 100,000 are under cultiva¬ 
tion, and as much more is in the hands of the farmers, the balance, 
probably, by non-residents, as it is all assessed for taxable purposes. 

There are two good newspapers published at the county seat. 

The principal towns are West Union, Lima, Taylorsville, Cler¬ 
mont, Fayetteville, &c., &c. 

DELAWARE COUNTY 

Was organized in 1840, is one of the third counties from the 
north State line, and the second county west of the Mississippi. 

Timber is well distributed. Elk creek, a tributary of Turkey 
river, in the northeast part, the north fork of the Maquoketa river 
in the east, the south fork of the same river running diagonally 
from northwest to southeast, Plum creek in the centre, and Buffalo 
in the west, &c., all of which afford fine bodies of timber. Abundant 
pure springs of water are well distributed throughout the county. 
Excellent building stone is abundant, which is found in ridges; in 
some places stone walls can be built, sufficient to make good fences, 
at the rate of one rod per day. There ar® some sand ridges, but 


36 


DESCRIPTION OF IOWA. 


the soil is generally good. In the north and northeast part, largo 
quantities of fall wheat are raised; the southwest part is better 
adapted to grazing purposes, as is also Bremer township, in tlie 
east part, and Hazel Green and Adams townships in the southwest 
part. In the townships named the land is undulating, affording 
fine opportunities for obtaining water for stock, by means of “mole 
ditches,’’ which are a success where the land is not sandy. 

The inhabitants arg mostly from the Eastern and Middle States, 
consequently the schoolmaster is abroad. Fine school houses dot 
the county all over. “Bowen Collegiate Institute,is located at 
Hopkinton, a neat village on the south fork of the Maquoketa. The 
Methodist, Baptist, and Presbyterian, are the leading religious 
denominations ; there are also some Congregational churches. No 
county in the State offers better inducements for settlers than 
Delaware. 

The Dubuque and Sioux City Railroad runs through the county 
from east, to west. The Dubuque and Southwestern Railroad runs 
through the southeastern part of the county. 

Improved lands are held at 15 to 30 dollars, and unimproved lands 
at 5 to 10 dollars per acre. Farm hands from 20 to 30 dollars per 
month ; mechanics from 2,50 to 4 dollars per day. Saw and flouring 
mills are distributed throughout the county, but a woolen factory 
is much needed. The best market for surplus products is at Du¬ 
buque, about 40 miles by rail from the county scat. 

The principal towns are Delhi, the county seat, Colesburg, in the 
northeast, Hopkinton in the southeast, Earlville and Manchester, 
on the D. & S. C. Railroad, A good newspaper is published at 
Delhi. 


Manufactories in Third Congressional District , which manufacture in 
value $(300 and over, per annum , as reported by the U. S. Assessor : 

IN DUBUQUE COUNTY. 

$15,240 
3,000 
450,000 
41,040 
IS,000 

7.800 
84,584 

2,400 

6.800 
288,000 
112,000 
,000.000 

81,834 
10.082 
864,000 


10 Wagons, 

value, 

$79,096 

2 Candles, 

value, 

9 Tin <fc Sheet iron 

4 t 

} . 

24.854 

2 Fur. 

i * 

8 Harness, . 

< t 

18,7S0 

4 Lead . 

< « 

1 Woolen . 

( ( 

10,056 

1 Hallway Cars .. 

<< 

14 Boots and Shoes 

4< 

43,152 

1 Thrashing Machines". 

7 Furniture. 

<< 

34,152 

2 Plows. 

« C 

2 Marble. 

u 

9,600 

8 Sash. DoorB & Blinds".... _ 

10 Flour barrels .... 

n 

»•••• •••••• 

30,672 

2 Fanning Mills 

H 

2 Lime. 

it 

7,356 

1 Brooms. 

«( 

11 Clothing . 

< < 

101,300 

8 Cigars . 

4 t 

4 1 inegar . 


2,400 

1 S >*p, lbs. 


2 Shot . 

<< 

84,000 

4 Gas. feet. 


2 Brass. 

«i 

6,250 

Distilleries, gallons. 

1 Copper. 

8 Brick . 

(( 

10,600 

10,000 

5 Ale and Beer, barrels. 

1 Tobacco, lbs... 

3 Iron Castings.,.. 


6,200 



, 

IN 

BUCHANAN COUNTY. 


2 Wagons 

value, 

$ 4,920 

2 Furniture 

value 

2 Tin & Sheet Iron . 

i < 

5.064 

1 Marble. 

(i 

2 Harness . 

i ( 

9,660 

1 Leather . 

( t 

4 Boots and Shoes... 

< ( 

2 918 




$9,204 
3.216 

18,740 



















































VIEW OF THE CITY OF DUBUQUE. 












































































































































































































































































M-AN U F AjCTOJU E8. 


o *-• 

o i 


IN FAYETTE COUNTY. 


3 Wagons value, 

2 Tin & Sheet Iron... 

4 Harness. 

2 Boots & Shoes.“.. 


$ 15,084 
1.704 
5 340 
2 700 


1 Pottery, value, 

2 Furniture. 14 

Flour Barrels.“. 


IN WINNESHEIK COUNTY. 


2 Wagon3, value, 

2 Tin & Sheet Iron,....* 4 . 

8 Harness,.“. 


$ 3,300 
3,45G 
9,072 


3 Boots & Shoe*, value, 
6 Agricultural Imp’e, 14 . 


IN ALAMAKEE COUNTY. 


1 Wagon, value, 

4 Tin & Sheet Iron. 

2 Harness..“... 


4 Wagons, value, 

8 Tin & Sheet Iron... 44 . 

5 Harness. 4 ‘. 

5 B<>ofs & Shoes. 41 . 


$ 2,700 
8.20 i 
5,280 


2 Boots & Shoes, value. 

1 Furniture.“... 

2 Agiicultural Imp’s...' 4 ... 


3 Furniture.“. 

1 Pumps. 4 ‘. 


IN CLAYTON COUNTY. 

1 Marble, vahie, 

2 Flour Barre’s.“. 

2 Clothing.“. 

2 Brick.“. 

1 Agricultural Imp's... 44 . 

Cigar3.number. 


$ 12,000 
8 760 
12,576 
5,106 
4,704 
6,420 


IN BREMER COUNTY. 


Tin & Sheet Iron, 

2 Harness. 

value, 

< ( 

$ 3,012 
3,456 
1,920 
4,656 

1 Lime, 

value 
( * 

1 Furniture. 

2 Flour Barrels... 

cc 

t a 

2 Brick . 

( ( 


IN 

DELAWARE COUNTY- 


4 Boots & Shoes, 

value, 

$9,223 

1 Pottery Ware, 

value, 



IN FLOYD 

COUNTY. 


1 nxrnos3, 

value, 

$2,S8Q 

1 



$ 1,080 
4,428 
2,640 


$12,612 

81.C82 


t 4.836 
640 
7,440 


$ 5,028 
14,803 
10,896 
4.4SS 
2,160 
120,300 


$ 1,800 
948 

7,680 


$ 1,464 


In forwarding the above return the Assessor says: “ It of course 
cannot be a full statement of the manufactories in titis district,fns 
a large amount is manufactured by persons not compelled to report, 
and the manufactures have increased very largely in the last five 
or six months.” 


CHAPTER V. 

FOURTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 

This district is composed of 12 counties, viz: Johnson, Iowa, 
Benton, Tama, Poweshiek, Jasper, Marion, Mahaska, Keokuk, 
Wapello, Monroe and Appanoose. They contain a population of 
145,209, which is nearly one-fifth of the population of the State. In 
these counties there are upwards of 3,000,000 acres unimproved ; of 
this amount 770,587 acres are attache 1 to farms, not under fence. 
The remainder is probably owned by non-residents, as but a very 
small proportion is not assessed for taxable purposes. Improved 







































DESCRIPTION OF IOWA. 


38 

lands can be had in this district for from eight to thirty dollars per 
acre, according to location and amount of improvements; and 
unimproved lands from two and a half to fifteen dollars, according 
to location. Timber lots vary from ten to fifteen dollars per aero ; in 
some instances perhaps twenty dollars per acre. 

JOHNSON COUNTY 

Is one of the oldest settled counties in the State, and lies from 
its southeastern border about 20 miles from the Mississippi. It is 
one of the finest agricultural counties of the State. It is well 
watered by the Iowa river and its numerous branches. This rivor 
enters the county on the west, in the northern tier of townships, 
until it reaches the centre of the county, from whence it flows south¬ 
easterly through the county. Its prairies are high and gently 
rolling, and its streams are well bordered with timber. Numerous 
water powers are found on the Iowa river, some of which are im¬ 
proved. The Mississippi and Missouri Railroad runs through this 
county, from Davenport and Muscatine, affording all that can be de¬ 
sired to move the surplus products of the county. 

Of the 3S8,912 acres of land assessed for taxation, there are but 
134,962 acres under cultivation, leaving some 240,000 acres to be 
improved by others. We are not advised at what prices lands can 
be had for in this county, but we notice that improved farms are 
advertised as low as $10 per acre. Immigrants should look into 
the advantages presented here for a comfortable home. 

Iowa City, the county seat, at the last census in 1863, possessed 
a population of 4,417. It is beautifully located on the Iowa river, 
and enjoys a large trade from its own as well as neighboring coun¬ 
ties. It was once the Capital of the State, but it possesses the State 
University, which occupies the old Capitol building with another 
much more commodious edifice, erected some three years ago. It is 
in a flourishing condition and of greater value to Iowa City than 
the Capital can be. The State Institution for Deaf and Dumb is 
also located here for the present. 

IOWA COUNTY 

Was organized in 1845, and lies directly west of Johnson county. 
<£ It is well supplied with timber along the Iowa river, which 
stream, with the north fork of English river, Old Man's Creek, 
Beaver and Richmond creeks, afford an abundance of water for all 
purposes." These streams are generally skirted with good timber. 
Prairie, however, is the leading variety of land, w r hich is generally 
level, and in some places quite low, especially on the Iowa river 
bottoms, but its soil generally is well adapted to farming and 
grazing. We saw a 100 acre field in the summer of 1860, about a 
mile from the Iowa river, which cut an average of 40 bushels of 
wheat to the acre. 

The county seat, Marengo, is located upon a flat prairie, on the 
Iowa river, in the northern part of the county. There are two or 


BENTON AND TAMA COUNTIES. 


89 


three communities of Germans located in this county, on the Iowa 
river, which possess amongst themselves all the manufactories, 
mills, &c., necessary to provide for their own wants, which, with 
the superior manner they cultivate the rich soil nature Las pro¬ 
vided, are making them in very enviable circumstances. These 
communities are well worth a visit by the resident or traveller. 
Those going west, by inquiring at Iowa City, and those going east 
at Marengo, will be directed to these settlements, which are a few 
miles from the most traveled routes. 

The Mississippi and oMissuri Railroad passes through the en¬ 
tire centre of tlie county, on which is the county seat. We are not 
advised as to the price of lands, but they are doubtless reasonable 
as out of 308,640 acres there are but 61,000 under cultivation. 

BENTON COUNTY 

Was organized in 1846, lies in the middle tier of counties, and 
fourth from the east line of the State. 

It is principally watered by the Cedar river and its branches, 
which enters the centre of the north line of the county and flow's 
south to the centre of the county, thence east through its eastern 
bol der. Some of the tributaries of the Iowa river rise in the south¬ 
ern part of the county. Except on the Cedar river, timber is not 
abundant. The character of its lands is generally prairie, inter¬ 
spersed with groves of timber. The soil, from its productions, ex¬ 
hibit the general average of the State. The best, of building stone 
is found on the Cedar river, and other portions of the county. Both 
improved and unimproved lands can be purchased at the average 
prices in the neighboring counties. Its educational interests are 
well provided for. 

From the centre of the county to a railroad on the north it is 
about 20 miles, and about 25 miles to another railroad on the south. 

Vinton is the county seat, which is a thriving town located on 
the Cedar river, near the centre of the county. Here will be found 
the State Institution for the education of the blind, which occupies 
a splendid building constructed of the superior stone found in the 
vicinity. There is a very good newspaper published at Vinton. 

TAMA COUNTY 

Was organized in 1854. It has a rich alluvial soil, with prairie 
and timber well distributed, with sufficient of the latter for fencing, 
building and fuel. There is also some coal in the county, but not 
much worked. “The face of the country is gently undulating, 
with a good proportion of river bottom, two to four miles in width, 
and well watered.” An abundance of the best limestone is found 
throughout the county. As every acre can be cultivated, it is capa¬ 
ble of sustaining as dense a population as any county in the State. 
It is also very healthy, and the population intelligent, thriving and 
energetic. Its educational privileges are surpassed by few, if any, 
of her sister counties. At West Irving is the Addison Collegiate 
Institute, which has in progress a very fine briek edifice, which 


40 


DESCRIPTION OF IOWA. 


affords, says our correspondent, “facilities for education unsur¬ 
passed in the State.'' 

Improved lands are worth from 8 to 25 dollars per acre; unim¬ 
proved lands from 3 to 10 dollars per acre; breaking costs 3 dollars 
per acre, and fence posts from 5 to 7 dollars per hundred. Me¬ 
chanics’ wages from 2,50 to 3 dollars per day ; farm laborers 1,25 
per day, or 20 dollars per month, including board. 

The Cedar Rapids and Missouri River Railroad runs east and 
west through the southern part of the county, affording good facili¬ 
ties for shipments of produce, &c. 

Toledo is the county seat, about two miles from the line of the 
railroad. Monticello, Buckingham, Butlerville and West Irving 
are the other principal towns in the county. A small woolen fac¬ 
tory would find a gcod location and abundance of stock at West 
Irving. A good newspaper is published at Toledo. 

POWESHEIK COUNTY 

Was organized in 1848, is the fourth county from the south line 
and the fifth from the east line of the State 

It is fairly watered by living streams. The prairies are generally 
high and gently rolling, in some places abrupt, but all excellent 
for cultivation and the grasses; no county stands higher for suc¬ 
cessful sheep raising, where there are numerous large flocks kept. 
The facilities for transporting produce to the east are excellent, as 
the INI. & M. Railroad runs through the centre tier of townships. 

Grinnell, which lies on the railroad, is a large and thriving 
town, and settled principally by Ngw England people. Its educa¬ 
tional and religious interests are therefore in a flourishing condi¬ 
tion ; amongst the former is a Collegia'c Institute of high reputation. 
Montezuma is the county seat. 

The county is increasing rapidly in population, and lands can be 
had there at low figures. 


JASPER COUNTY 

Was organized in 1846, and lies near tho centre of the State* 
directly east of Polk county. 

It is well watered by numerous streams, the principal of which is 
the main Skunk river. Timber is pretty well distributed through¬ 
out the county, being found more or less on all the streams, and 
there are quite a number of upland groves, some of them embracing 
several hundred acres. The surface is gently rolling, rendering it 
very easy to cultivate, and the soil is from 12 to 18 inches deep, 
resting generally upon a yellow clay subsoil. The soil in the bot¬ 
toms is much deeper, and that on the Skunk bottoms will have to 
be drained very generally before it can be brought under cultiva¬ 
tion. Building stone is very scarce, but there is considerable coal 
of good quality to be found in all parts of the county. 

Improved farms are held at from 15 to 30 dollars per acre, Re¬ 
cording to location, &c., and unimproved at 3 to 10 dollars per acre. 
( ogt of breaking » dollars, and of fencing 3 dollar* per acre. Farm 


MARIOS COUNTY. 


41 

hands are paid one dollar and a half by the day, and 20 dollars, 
including board, per month, by the year. Mechanics’ wages from 
two dollars and a half to three dollars per day. 

Flouring mills are much needed in the northwestern part of the 
county, and woolen mills at several points. 

Nearly all the land in this county is assessed fot taxable pur¬ 
poses, amounting to 437,491 acres, and but 76.000 under cultivation. 
T be settler and speculator must have some 360,800 acres to be dis¬ 
posed of, and we learn that a large quautity of lands, improved and 
unimproved, have changed hands during the past jear, with the 
view of present and ultimate settlement. 

Besides the numerous common schools in this county, there is a 
prosperous institution about five miles north of the county seat, 
which has attained a high reputation. 

The principal towns are Newton, the county seat, Monroe, Prairie 
City, &c. 

In regard to railroad facilities no county in the State has superior, 
as it has the choice of three, averaging only from 16 to 26 miles to 
accommodate the whole county. The M. & M. Railroad will soon 
be completed through the county on its progress to the Capital of 
the State. 


MARION COUNTY 

Was organized in 1846, and is one of the centre counties of the 
third tier from the south line of the State. 

It is well watered by the Desmoines river and its tributaries 
which flows diagonally through it from the northwest corner, on 
which there are some fine water powers for milling purposes. Scil 
good for farming purposes, equal to any in the State, timber plenty, 
and water abundant and excellent. Climate good and well adapted 
for stock. Stone-coal, of excellent quality, abounds on the L'cs- 
moines, in veins eight feet thick. Splendid lime and sandstone for 
building purposes, abundant. The sandstone quarries about Red 
Rock, on the Desmoines, has a variety of shades, from a pale red to 
white, and the colors are intermixed in some places so as to give it 
a very pleasing effect. The superior quality of this stone, when it 
can be reached by railroad, will cause it to be sought for building 
purposes. During the next year the Desmoines Valley railroad will 
doubtless pass through Red Rock, thence to the City of Desmoines. 

Knoxville is the county seat, which is near the centre of the 
county ; Pella is also an important point, being the present ter¬ 
minus of the Des Moines Valley Railroad. This town is mostly set¬ 
tled by Hollanders, where there is an excellent Collegiate Institution, 
under the especial auspices of the Missionary Baptists. Immi¬ 
grants from Holland generally occupy the thrifty farms which 
surround it. Red Rock, Amsterdam, &c., are also towns of some 
importance, which are on the Desmoines river. 

The agricultural products of the county are among the largest in 
the State. 


DESCRIPTION OF IOWA. 


42 

MAHASKA COUNTY 

W;is organized in 1844, is in the third tier of counties from the 
south, line of the State, and the fourth from the eastern boundary 

of the State. . . 

This county is well watered by the North Skunk river in the 
northeast, the Des Moines river in the southwest, and their numer¬ 
ous tributaries. It is well supplied with timber, unsurpassed for 
fertility of soil, purity of water, &c. Stone coal is found in large 
quantities, and good building stone is sufficiently abundant. The 
streams afford some excellent water powers for mills, &c.. 

Oskaloosa, the county seat, is beautifully located on a high prairie 
near timber. It enjoys a considerable trade with a large district of 
country, which will be much increased since the completion to it of 
the Des Moines Valley Railroad. Its schools, both public and 
private, are well conducted and are well sustained by its intelli¬ 
gent and enterprising inhabitants. In January, 1863, by the last 
State census, it had a population of 2,520; it must be considera¬ 
bly more at this time. 

KEOKUK COUNTY 

Was organized in 1844, is the third from the south line of the 
State and from the eastern boundary. 

The land is of excellent quality, well watered by the Skunk river 
and its tributaries, and by the south fork of English river, all of 
which are skirted with a good supply of timber. Coal is also found 
in considerable quantities. 

The nearest railroad to the centre of the county is at Washington, 
about25 miles east. 

The principal towns are Sigourney (the county seat), Lancaster, 
(the old county seat), Waugh’s Point, and Richland. The latter 
place is settled principally by Friends, or Quakers. 

The county is rapidly increasing in population. 

WAPELLO COUNTY 

Was organized in 1844. is in the second tier from the south lino 
of the State, and the fourth from the Mississippi river. 

“The Desmoines river passes diagonally through the ccunty. 
The water power, as furnished by that river and Cedar Creek, is 
abundant. The banks of the streams are rich in limestone of the 
best quality, and excellent, sand, which, with the extensive tracts of 
timber render it one of the most desirable counties in the interior 
of the State.” The soil cannot be excelled, especially on the bot¬ 
toms, the latter bearing some of the heaviest crops of corn in the 
State. 

Ottumwa, the county seat, is situated on the Des Moines river. The 
water power afforded here is sufficient to run 28 pairs of burrs, 4 feet 
in diameter, und 3 r a head of 6 feet water. Of course a dam of some 
five or six feet in height would be required to do this. These ad- 
van (ages wit,': the points of two railroads, one from Burlington and 
one from Keokuk, will make it one of the largest and most flourish- 


MONROE AND APPANOOSE COUNTIES. 43 

ing places in the interior of the State. One of the most cxteuMro 
pork packing establishments in the State is at Ottumwa. 

Eddyville is situated on the same river, about 12 miles above 
Ottumwa. It is also a place of considerable business. A fine bridge 
spans the river here. The Des Moines Valley Railroad has a large 
depot at this point, from which immense numbers of cattle and hogs 
are annually shipped. It was once an Indian trading post. 

Agency City is another prominent point, located on the Burling¬ 
ton and Missouri River Railroad. It is one of the old Indian 
agencies. 

Excellent newspapers arc published at Ottumwa and Eddyville. 

MONROE COUNTY 

Lies in the second tier of counties from the south line of tlie 
State and the fifth from the Mississippi, our eastern boundary. 

“This county is as well watered as any portion of the State. 
The principal streams which have their rise in, or pass through the 
county, arc Cedar Creek, Whipporwill Creek, White’s Creek, and 
Coal Creek; the three latter afford considerable water power, some 
of which are occupied by flouring and saw mills, which generally 
run more than halt the year. The streams named, with Bluff’s, 
Gray’s, Miller’s, Avery’s, and Soap creeks, which are streams of 
some size, are skirted with timber, generally a mile in width. 
Throughout the county the soil is very good; the prairies are small, 
high and fertile. An abundance of timber, coal and limestone are 
found in most parts of the county.” 

Albia, the county seat, is beautifully located in the centre of the 
county. The Des Moines Valley Railroad, at Eddyville, which is 
about 10 miles from this point, affords excellent facilities for ship¬ 
ments east. 


APPANOOSE COUNTY 

Was organized in 1840, is one of the southern tier of counties, 
and the fourth from the eastern boundary of the State. 

“The Chariton river passes in a southeasterly direction? through 
the county, and upon its banks are numerous excellent mill-sites. 
Besides this, Shoal and Walnut Creeks, and the tributaries of the 
Chariton, furnish wmter to every portion of the county. The soil s 
of excellent quality, and the county tolerably w r ell timbered. The 
climate is mild and pleasant, less subject to high winds than the 
middle and northern portions of the State.” 

Corn is the principal crop of the county, which serves to fatten 
the large droves of Beef and Ilogs which are annually driven from 
the State. Of course the grasses must be productive also, to afford 
the enterprising farmers a fair profit. It. is considered one of cur 
best, agricultural counties. Coal is found in abundance. 

The principal towns are Centreville, (the county seat), Sharon, 
Ilibbsville, Unionville, Iconium, Cincinnati, &c. 


44 


DESCRIPTION OF IOWA. 


Manufactories reported to the U. S. Assessor, in the 4 th Congressional 

District. 


CHARACTER OF BUSINESS. 


o_ 

3 

CO 

o 

a 

t 


Boot & shoe shop establishmn'ts 

B ick establi'hmeais . 

Candle factories. 

Tobacco manufactories (1)_ 

Tailors & dealers in clothing (2) 

works. 

Breweries. 

Distilleries . 


5 

o 

1 

1 

4 

1 

4 


Furniture Manuf ictories. 

Pump fuetety (8) . 

Carriage & wagon manufactory 

Iron foundries (4) .. 

Tin & copper establishments ... 

Harness & leather “ . 

Marble .“ . 

Wo >d .“ . 

Oil, Linseed & Lard manuft’s (5) 

Flax manufactories ((i) . 

Pottery ware manufactories .. 

Foap.“. 

Woolen (7) .“... 

Flouring mills (8) . 


4 
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Wapello .... OT _ ; ocq ' 

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> 

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6 












1 












1 




.... 


1 

1 


.... 



3 












1 

l 






1 


2 



4 












*T 

I 


[1] All sm ill. [2] More, but no returns made [3] S30,000 to 40,000 in value made 
annually. [4] A ve ,- y ext ■-naive establishment. [5] Make from $150,000 to 200,000 
in valu ’, annually. [6] A'so make rope. [7] Tho Ama 1 a Society, in Iowa county, does 
work to the amount of $40,000 to 50,0(KJ annually. [8] Only Johnson county 
embraced, as they are not required to report to the Assessor. 





































































































FIFTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 


45 


CHAPTER VI. 

TIIE CENTRAL COUNTIES. 

Those especially designated as the Central counties, are Tolk, 
Story, Boone, Greene, Guthrie, Dallas, Adair, Madison and Warren. 
Jasper is also pioperly one of the Central counties, but it is described 
in the 4th congressional district. 

The population of these counties in January 1863, was 51,408, but 
as there has been a large immigration since that date, it can not now 
be less than 60,000, perhaps, 65,000. The . total area in acres is 
3,317,750; the number of acres under cultivation in 1863 was 
296,631. Within about 100,000 acres are assessed for taxable 
purposes, and 409,109 acres are lands attached to farms not under 
fence and presumed not under cultivation. With the exception of 
the 100,000 acres not assessed, and the uncultivated lands attached 
to farms, there are nearly 3,000,000 acres owned by non-residents. 
What a vast district is here presented to the world, of as fair and 
as fruitful lands as can be found on this continent. Its kind and 
rich soils have long been waiting for the skillful manipulations of 
the husbandman. Come and take them, for they are offered at 
prices within the means of all, and from past and present experi¬ 
ence you will drink of the purest waters, secure the best of health, 
and by intelligent industry lay up for yourself and children a com¬ 
petence sufficient to satisfy all reasonable expectations. If our 
winter months are too severe, there is plenty of timber and stone to 
build warm houses, and abundance of wood and coal to heat them, 
obtained, generally, by the mere labor of cutting and digging. Tho 
excess of the products of the farm or shop can readily and cheaply 
be transported to the eastern or southern seaboard, by means of rail 
roads from the doors of almost every farmer and citizen—long before 
the present small comparative population is doubled—such as is now 
enjoyed by several of the countits. What more can be desired 
except schools and churches; and of the former there are 305 good 
school buildings out of 465 school districts, and besides the numer- 
oils church buildings erected especially for religious worship, nearly 
every school house is occupied for the same purpose. Instead of 
50,000 people, 500,000 cau find good and comfortable homes in 
central Iowa alone. 


46 


DESCRIPTION OF IOWA. 



POLK COUNTY 


Was organised in 1846, and lies near the centre of the State. 
The Capital of the State was located in this county by law in 1854, 
locatedjjby the Commissioners appointed for that purpose in 1855, 
in the City of Des Moines, and permanently located by a Constitu¬ 
tional provision, which was ratified by the people of the State, in 

1857. In November, 1857, the public offices were removed from 
Iowa City to the new State House at Des Moines, and in January, 

1858, the Legislature held its first session in Des Moines, which 
was also the first session under the new Constitution. 

The following description of the surface, soil, timber, water 
courses, &c., of the county is principally taken from a pamphlet 
published about six years since: 

“A glance at the map of Iowa will show that nature designed 
this county as the centre of a very considerable district of the State. 
Through its midst flows the Des Moines river, with all its tributary 
waters, collected from southern Minnesota, and from 24 counties of 
central Iowa. Of these tributaries, Beaver Creek, flowing through 
parts of four counties, Raccoon river, flowing through parts of 
eight counties, and North river, flowing through parts of five coun¬ 
ties, all pour their waters into the Des Moines, in Polk county, 
from the west. Four Mile Creek, having a branch on the east, rises 
in the northern part of the county, flows southward with a steady 
current, between well timbered banks, into the Des Moines, on its 
east side, at the southern border of the county. The Chicaqua (or 
Skunk) flow's across the northeastern quarter of the county, and 
its banks are w ell supplied with timber. Indian Creek, with tim¬ 
bered banks, crosses the extteme northeastern part of the county. 
B.'sides these, the eastern portion of the county is watered with 
other smaller streams, among which may be named Camp Creek, 
Mud Creek, and Spring Creek. Through the northwestern part of 
the county Big Creek flow^s southwardly into the Des Moines. On 
its west side the latter receives Beaver Creek, a fine stream, with 
three for more) mill-sites, with some timber and abundance of coal. 
Passing southw'ardly, vre have Mott's Branch, Walnut Creek, and 















POLK COUNTY. 


47 

Jordan’s Run, all lively water courses. Next, through the south¬ 
western portion of the county, flows the main Raccoon liver, a 
largo, clear and beautiful stream, with gravel and rock bottom, and 
swift current. It joins the Des Moines within the city limits, and 
adds so liberally to the volume of waters thence to the Mississippi, 
that during a few months, the season of high water, the Des 
Moines is navigated by steamboats from St. Louis and Keokuk. 
Farther east, on the extreme southern border of the county, we 
find the North river, which comes through Warren county, and 
empties into the Des Moines. Besides these water courses which 
we have particularly mentioned, and the larger of which contain 
fine fish of various kinds, there are countless little tributaries 
flowing through the prairies, from springs and rains, in all parts 
of the county. 

“ Following the divides, between all the main watercourses, 
are found the roads concentrating at Des Moines from all parts of 
Central Iowa. 

<£ Most abundant of all trees is found the black walnut, so high¬ 
ly prized in the east for manufacturing cabinet and household 
furniture, and for house finishing. It is so plentiful that it is used 
for all purposes. Red, white and black oak are largely found, and 
liberally used for firewood. To these may be added elm, syca¬ 
more, linn, chesnut-oak, soft maple, hickory, coffee-nut, sugar 
maple, (not abundant), ash, locust, the wild cherry and crab 
apple. Detached groves arefou nd in different parts of the county, 
which relieve and beautify the prairie. The whole county is re¬ 
markably well furnished with wood and timber. 

u The facts above stated show that the county must have a di¬ 
versified surface. At varying distances from the principal 
streams, rises an irregular line of bluffs or hills, some wooded and 
some covered with prairie grass, leaving between them and the 
water a bottom land of unsurpassed fertility. These hills are 
usually of gentle slope, easily ascended and descended by wagons, 
and sinking into mere benches, moderately lifted above the surface 
of the valley. Near the junction of the Des Moines and Raccoon 
rivers, they rise in some places to the height of near two hundred 
feet. From side to side, between these ranges, the streams mean¬ 
der, with banks varied by hill, meadow and forest. We deem it 
a correct use of terms to describe the topography and scenery of 
the county as varied, attractive, and picturesque.” 

On these hills are found the best locations for raising fruit, to 
which considerable attention is being given, as we have had 
ample testimony for the past few years that in no part of the 
United States can apples, grapes, and all other fruits, which are 
usually grown in this latitude, be raised more successfully or of 
better flavor. In 1855 peaches were cultivated so abundantly 
that they were sold at a dollar and a half per bushel. Afterwards 
the crop failed, owing to an unusually severe winter, which killed 
the tveea. Nature has indicated the adaptation of the country to 


48 


DESCRIPTION Ob’ IOWA. 


fruit, by the abundance of the wild plum, grapes, gooseberries, 
and other wild fruits. 

In regard to the good health of the county, it is not surpassed 
by any portion of the northwest, to prove which we could give 
many facts, but our limit has been already so trespassed upon, 
that we must forego this and other matters, which we would be 
glad to insert. Suffice it to say, that after a residence here of 
over seven years, we have never known of any one regreting that 
lie had located amongst us, but the reverse. 

The prices of improved lands in the county vary very much. 
Some can be had as low as $15 per acre, and they run as high as 
$35 per acre, according to location and improvements ; average 
about $20 per acre. Excellent unimproved farming lands can be 
had for from $3 to $15 per acre. Price of breaking lands from 
$3,50 to $4 per acre; fencing about the same price Fuel at 
present is very high: Wood, delivered, from $6 to $7 per cord ; 
stone coal, delivered, 20 cents a bushel; ordinarily, the prices are 
not more than half those named. Farm hnnds, per month, for a 
year, at present, from $20 to $25 including board. Mechanics’ 
wages for the past season, from $2,50 to $3,50 per day ; laborers 
from $1.50 to $2 per day. 

Des Moines , the Capital of the State , and the Covnty Seat. 
The City of Des Moines is located in the southern part of the 
county, at the confluence of the Des Moines and Raccoon rivers. 
The former river divides the city north and south, the latter east 
and west, The west side of the Des Moines river and north of 
the Raccoon river, embraces the first settled portion, and contains 
about two-thirds of the present population ot the city ; the cast 
side of the river contains nearly" the whole of the remaining por¬ 
tion, the south side of the Raccoon having but few residences. 
The old “ Fort Des Moines,” with its log barracks, were situated 
on the north bank of the Raccoon, and on the west bank of the 
Des Moines, near the forks. The State House and other public 
buildings of the State occupy a very prominent and beautiful posi¬ 
tion on a hill in the eastern half of the city", about half a mile from 
the Des Moines river, at an elevation of about 150 feet above the 
river. W hen on this hill, or on the observatory of the State House, 
a magnificent and very" extended view is presented, not only" of the 
city", but for a large scope of country beyond. We have often 
escorted visitors to take this view from the State House, and all 
who have enjoyed it were impressed with the varied scenery and 
peculiar adaptation of the site of the city for the metropolis of 
this already great State. Between the gently" rising hills which 
surround it, a population of 20,000 can easily" be accommodated, 
and as many more on the face of these hills, already occupied in 
many places by elegant residences. 

Its present population is about 7000, and rapidly increasing. 
Its business houses are of the best character, many of them equal¬ 
ing some of the largest in eastern cities, and command the trade of 


POLK. COUNTY. 


49 


a district of country embtacing at least an area of 14,000 square 
miles. It is beginning to lay a foundation for what it is destined 
to be, at no distant day, the great packing depot of slaughtered 
hogs, and perhaps of beef, west of Chicago. It has already as- 
sunr d some importance in this branch of business. 

Dos Moines has all the elements necessary to make it a great 
manufacturing place, having coal and other fuel in abundance, 
and good water po a cr on the Des Moines river, in addition to the 
rich country that surrounds it, where food can be raised as 
abundantly and as cheap as in any part of the world. It is to be a 
great railroad centre, also, and will have in the course of a year 
or two, two, if not three, railroads, from the east and southeast. 
Its present railroad facilities are by the Des Moines Valley and the 
Burlington and Missouri River Railroad, to reach which there are 
about 45 miles of wagoning or staging; the Mississippi and Mis¬ 
souri River Railroad, which can be reached by a little over this 
distance ; and the Cedar Rapids Railroad, which is within about 
32 miles. One of these roads, the first named, will probably be 
completed to Des Mmries in a year from this time, as every few 
months the distance is shortened. Already is she adopting some 
of those useful metropolitan fashions, which shrewd eastern capi¬ 
talists, snuffing the great profits in her early future, are willing 
to indulge her in at their expense, amongst them Gas and Water , 
which are to be conveyed in pipes, long or short, into every man’s 
dwelling, workshop, or store. All this is being done now, and 
as her population are willing and able to pay for the useful, if 
they cannot afford the ornamental, let others come who have 
money and skill and see her wants in many other respects, in the 
way of manufactories of various kinds, dwelling houses for her 
teeming immigrants, &c., &c., and they too will find capital 
chances to invest them in the Capital City. Yet her advancement 
is not equal to the country largely dependent upon her for nearly 
every article needed by man or beast. Especially are schools 
needed of higher grades than she now possesses. A first class 
college for young women would command a large support, and be 
welcomed by the parents in all Central Iowa. The Baptist Asso¬ 
ciation of the State having purchased the unfinished College edifice 
on one of the western hills in the city, to make it what it was in¬ 
tended to be originally, a first class educational institution, one of 
these wants may soon be supplied. It is true that the public 
schools of the city have been very much improved during the past 
year, and from the vigorous efforts of the school authorities they 
will doubtless, ere long, rank among the best in the State. 

The villages in the county are as follows : Polk City, Saylorville, 
Rising Sun, Adelphi, Avon, La Fayette, Bloomington, Ottawa, 
Peoria City, Hanover, Mitchellville and Corydon. 


3 


50 


DESCRIPTION OF IOWA. 


Of the manufactories in the county, the following list, lias been 
furnished by the assistant U. S. Assessor, and are only those which 
produce in value annually, six hundred dollars or over. Most of 
them are located in the City of Des Moines, and are nearly half, in 
most of the branches, contained in the 5 th Congressional District: 


Iron Foundries.... 3 

Saw mills. 18 

Flouring mills. 4 

Woolen manufact’s 2 

Wagon makers. 5 

Plows and wagons . 2 

Blacksmiths. 10 

Coopers. 5 

Boot* shoe making 8 

Clothing. 3 

Coal banks, worked 17 


Paper mills. 1 j 

Blank Books ...... 2 i 

Vinegar. 2 

Beer. 3 

Distilleries. 2 

Sash, doors* blinds 1 

Dress makers. 2 

Milliners. 3 

Jewellers ... 4 

Potteries. 1 

Slaughterhouses.. 4 


Brooms. 

Shingle mill?. 

Candles * soap .... 


Furniture. •' 

Harness. ° 

Tannery. ^ 

Marble. 2 

Corn planters. 2 

Brick.'4 

Chairmakers. 1 

Photographers. 5 


STORY COUNTY 

Was organized in 1853, and is perhaps, tl^e most central county 
of the State. 

This county enjoys the especial advantage of the location of the 
State Agricultural College and Farm which embraces 650 acres of 
the best land in the State for the purposes designed by such an 
institution. It is in the centre of the east side of the county. This 
institution, together with the line lands of praii ie and timber adjoin¬ 
ing it, have already attracted many excellent settlers who have 
located upon lands near it. It is situated almost midway between 
the county seats of Story and Boone counties, on the line of the 
Cedar Rapids Railroad, which runs through the farm. A depot is 
to be located within a mile of the farm. 

The county is watered by the Skunk river, a fine stream nearly 
dividing the county, and the west branch of the same, and Indian 
creek, with their various tributaries. Timber of many kinds is 
found in large bodies on the larger streams, and numerous groves 
are distributed throughout the county. In the southern part of the 
county are numerous ponds, which, when improved, Will serve as 
excellent depositories for the surplus water of the rolling prairie 
lands, and give abundance of stock water. Much the larger portion 
of the county is prairie, the soil of which is deep, rich and very 
productive. The line of the Cedar Rapids Railroad runs east and 
west through the county, affording excellent facilities for sending 
off the surplus products. Stone coal is found in several parts of the 
county, but in rather thin veins to be worked to advantage. Good 
building stone is afforded on the banks of the streams. 

Improved lands are held at from ten to twenty-five dollars per 
acre, unimproved lands from three to ten per acre; timber land 
about ten dollars per acre. Wages of farm hands one dollar per 
day; mechanics from two and a half to three dollars per day. 

Nevada is the county seat, near its centre, on the line of the 
railroad; and Iowa Centre and Cambridge are the other principal 
towns in the county. A good newspaper is published at Nevada. 






























B(X&E COUNTY 


51 


BOONE COUNTY 

Was organized in 1849, is one of the middle tier of counties, be¬ 
tween the north and south lines, and corners on the northwest part 
of Polk county. “The Des Moines river runs through the centre of 
it from north to south. The bed of the river is deep, and the bluffs 
on either side of the rich bottoms are high, and in many places 
abrupt. The wildest scenery on the whole course of this river is in 
this county. The bottoms are large, and clothed with the best of 
timber. The average width of the timber in the count} 7 is six miles. 
The country, after leaving the timber, on each side of the Des 
Moines, is level, rich, alluvial prairie. Beaver creek, in the west¬ 
ern part of the county, is skirted with a plentiful supply of fine 
timber, and its prairie bottoms cannot be surpassed. Montgome¬ 
ry’s creek runs through the northeastern corner of the county, on 
which there are good settlements. Stone coal of a superior quality 
is abundant everywhere.’’ On the completion of the railroad to 
Boonsboro’, the county seat, preparations are being made to export 
coal to the Mississippi river, which will be a source of great wealth 
to the county in a very short time. Both wood and coal are suffi¬ 
ciently abundant to secure cheap fuel for a long time to come. 

Numerous good mill sites are afforded on the Des Moines river, 
many of which are occupied, most generally by saw mills. 

Improved farms are held at from $10 to $25 per acre; unim¬ 
proved lands from $2,50 to $8 per acre. Railroad facilities for 
reaching an eastern market will be secured in a few months at 
Boonsboro, which is near the centre of the county. 

Many eastern farmers, believing Boone county presented great 
inducements for stock raising, have brought in large numbers, 
especially sheep. Their uniform success has justified their selection. 
This county deserves the attention of the immigrant. 

Two newspapers are printed at the county seat, and schools and 
churches are supplied to meet the wants of the people generally. 

GREENE COUNTY 

Is one of the centre tier of counties, and the fourth from the 
western line of the State. 

It is diagonally bisected from northwest to southeast by the 
North Raccoon river, which is a flowing rapid stream of clear 
water, with generally a ston} 7 bottom, with very fine timber along 
its banks. The north half of the county is further watered by 
Buttrick’s and Cedar creeks, which flow into the North Coon. 
Greenbrier creek flows through the south part of the county, and 
the Middle Coon waters the southwest part of the county. There 
are numerous indications of coal, and limestone is found in some 
parts. Groves are scattered along Hardin’s creek. The prairies 
are well adapted to the growth of grain and the grasses, but the 
north part of the county is deficient in timber. There are about 
20,000 acres of timbered land in the county. In the north and 
northeast and southwest there is some wet prairie, but it can be 
readily drained, which will make it excellent for pasturage or cul- 


DESCRIPTION 0? IOWA. 

tivation. Lands, improved and unimproved, can be had at fail- 
prices. 

The Cedar Rapids Railroad is destined to run east and west 
through this county, but until it is done, Boonsboro, in Boone 
county, on the same line of road, (which is about 30 miles from the 
centre of the county), will be the outlet for eastern trade. 

New Jetferson, the county seat, and Rippey, are the principal 
towns. 


GUTHRIE COUNTY 

Was organized in 1851, and lies in the fourth tier of counties 
from the south line and the fourth from the west, line of the State. 

The principal streams traverse the county with a general direc¬ 
tion from northwest to southeast, being the Musquito Creek, Rac¬ 
coon and South Raccoon and Middle river. There is a fair supply 
of timber on these streams, and abundance of stone coal. The 
county possesses an unusual number of small running streams and 
line springs. There are limestone and considerable quantities of 
good iron ore in the hills between the Middle river and South Rac¬ 
coon. There are some good mill sites on the chief streams, some of 
which ai-e improved, and detached groves of timber scattered over 
the county, away from the valleys. The county is generally roll¬ 
ing, rich prairie land, but the western half is broken and said to 
contain considerable mineral. Several large ponds, some with fine 
fish, are in the north part of Guthrie; and near the head of the 
Musquito is a sulphur spring. Prices of lands about the same as in 
Greene county. 

Here certainly must be a variety to suit all tastes. Eventually 
the M. & M. R. R. line will pass through the southern part of this 
county. Its present nearest market for surplus products is at Des 
Moines, about 50 miles from the centre of the county. 

Panora, the county seat, and Guthrie Centre, are the principal 
towns. 


DALLAS COUNTY 

Was first settled in 1846, and organized in 1847. It is the first 
county west of Polk county, the seat of the State Government. 
North Coon river flows through the centre of the county from the 
northwest; Beaver creek in the eastern and Musquito creek in the 
southwestern parts of the county—these, with their numerous 
branches, are well skirted with timber. They also afford numer¬ 
ous good water powers, ten of which are occupied. The soil is gen¬ 
erally a black sandy loam from five to six feet deep and very pro¬ 
ductive. 

There are in the county seven flouring mills, seven saw mills, 
and one oil mill, all run by water power, and four saw mills by 
steam power. 

There are needed, and would pay well, a woolen manufactory, 
another oil mill, a sash and door manufactory, and one to make 
agricultural implements. All kinds of mechanics are also needed. 



ADAIR AND MADISON COUNTIES. 


53 

Improved lauds are held at from §10 t) §25 per acre; unimproved 
lands from $2,50 to §10 per acre, Timber lands ten to twenty-five 
dollars per acre. The yearly wages of farm labor $1 per day, and 
daily wages of mechanics from §2 to §2,50. The price of coal per 
bushel delivered, 30 to 50 cents. Breaking prairie $2,50 to 
$3,50 per acre. Good fencing lumber §2 to §2,50 per 100 feet. 
The best market for surplus products is at home. 

There are eight churches in the county, and 52 school houses, all 
of which are used for religious services by various denominations. 

ADAIR COUNTY 

Is the third county from both the western and southern lines of 
the State. 

This county lies on the divide between the Mississippi and Mis¬ 
souri slopes. Several rivers head here, some of which flow into the 
Missouri and some into the Des Moines. Its principal streams are 
the Middle Nodaway, One Hundred and Two, and Grand rivers, on 
all of which there is a fair proportion of timber, but the lands are 
principally prairie, generally high and rolling, and fully equal to 
that of her neighboring counties in fertility and depth of soil. 

It is a sparsely settled county, but its educational interests are 
well attended to, as it has 16 school houses in the 20 school districts 
of the county, in a population of less than a 1000. The centre of 
the county is distant from the Missouri river 75 miles, and from 
the nearest railroad 90 m:les. At no far distant day it will have 
the choice of two railroads, at an average distance of 20 miles from 
the centre of the county. 

Fontanelle is the county seat, which is located on the west side of 
the county. 

There are not less than 350,000 acres of vacant land in this 
county, much of which can doubtless be had as low as §2 per acre. 

MADISON COUNTY 

Was organized in 1850, is in the third tier of counties from the 
south boundai’y of the State, and corners on the southwest part of 
Polk county. 

It is well supplied with streams, where many good water powers 
can be found, some of which are improved by a good class of flour¬ 
ing and saw mills. They are generally well skirted with timber. 
The soil on the bottoms is very rich, being from 5 to 7 feet deep, and 
makes excellent grass lands. The prairies are high and rolling, 
and the soil, which is black sandy, is from two to tour feet deep. 
It is one of our best counties for stock raising. It is settled by an 
enterprising class of people, and its population is rapidly in¬ 
creasing. 

Improved farms sell for §8 to §30 per acre, and unimproved lands 
at §3 to §10. Present wages of farm hands §1 per day, old rates 
$10 to $13 per month by the year. Wages of mechanics from $2 to 
$2,50 per day. Good markets for surplus products are found at the 
county seat and at Des Moines, 35 miles from the county seat. 


DESCRIPTION OF IOWA. 


54 

The best of stone for building purposes is found all over the 
county, both sand and limestone, and around the county seat in 
almost unlimited quantities. Good coal is also obtained tor fuel, 
in many localities, which answers well lor blacksmith s purposes. 
The price, delivered, is 35 cents per bushel, and of wood for fuel, 
delivered, 3 to 5 dollars per cord. 

The line of the Burlington and Missouri River Railroad will run 
through this county when completed. 

Winterset, in the centre of the county, is a town of considerable 
business, in which there are some stores that would do credit to a 
city. It has a population of about a 1090 or 1200. It has also one 
or two banking houses, and a good newspaper. Some of its public 
buildings are constructed of stone, which is cheaper here than 
brick. 

Of the 359,662 acres assessed for taxable purposes, there are but 
about 50,000 acres under cultivation. 

WARREN COUNTY 

Was organized in 1849, lies directly south of Polk county, and 
in the third tier of counties from the southern border of the State. 

This is among the most favored counties in the State in almost 
every desirable respect. It is very well watered by numeious 
good streams, and it has a good supply of timber well distributed. 
The three most prominent streams are the North, Middle and South 
rivers, which have given the county the well known name of the 
“Three River Country.” On these and other streams in the county 
there is ample water power for general milling purposes, and large 
beds of excellent stone coal, as well as some good building stone. 
On the streams, flouring and saw mills are distributed over the 
county. A vein of cannel coal has recently been discovered in 
this county. 

Its prairies are high and rolling, which, with an excellent soil, 
make them desirable for farming purposes, and on which there are 
located some of the finest farms in the State. The prices of lands 
average somewhat lower than in counties of the same lank in the 
State. Of the 360,000 acres assessed for taxable purposes, there 
are but 70,000 acres under cultivation. Here must be a large 
quantity of land for sale, and we commend it to the attention of 
purchasers who intend to locate in our State. 

Indianola, the county seat, is a beautifully located town, near 
the centre of the county, in which there is a flourishing educa¬ 
tional institution under the patronage of the Methodist denomina¬ 
tion, large flouring and saw mills, two or three plow manufac¬ 
tories, &c. The other prominent towns are Hartford, Palmj'ra, 
(where there are plow factories) and Sandyville, in which there is 
a wool carding machine. At Palmyra there is also an excellent 
woolen manufactory. In the northeastern portion of the county 
there are quite a number of Friends (Quakers), amongst whom 
there are four meeting houses, where monthly and quarterly meet¬ 
ings are held regularly. 


FIFTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 


55 


From Indianola it. is between 35 and 40 miles to the nearest rail¬ 
road, but Des Moines in a year or two, only 18 miles distant, will 
be the best market not only to sell, as is done now, the surplus 
products of the county, but the nearest point from which to ship 
them. 


CHAPTER VII. 

FIFTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 

The following named counties compose the Fifth Congressional 
District: 


FIRST. 

SECOND. 

THIRD. 

FOURTH. 

Clarke 

Polk 

Audubon 

Adams 

Lucas 

Dallas 

Shelby 

Montgom’ry 

Decatur 

Guthrie 

Harrison 

Mills 

Wayne 

Warren 

Adair 

Madison 

Cass 

Pot’wat’mie 

Union 

Ringgold 

Taylor 

Page 

Fremont 


The counties in the first column will be found first described 

below. 

Those in the second column will be found embraced under the 
heading of Central Iowa, in chapter VI. 

Those in the third and fourth columns will be found described in 
chapter XI, under the heading of “Western Counties,” or “Missouri 
Slope.” 

LUCAS COUNTY 

Was organized in 1849, and is situated near the centre of the 
second tier of counties from the south State line. 

This county is well watered, every township having streams of 
water flowing through them, nearly all of which are skirted with 
large bodies of timber. The prairies are high and rolling, which 
with the bottom lands are rich and productive. Coal and building 
stone is abundant. 

The line of the Burlington and Missouri River Railroad will pass 
through this county, east and west, near its centre, the nearest point 
to which at present, is at Ottumwa, about 50 miles. 

Chariton, the county seat, is beautifully located in the centre of 
the county, on a high prairie. A good newspaper is published here. 
No other towns of importance. 







56 


DESCRIPTION OF IOWA. 


DECATUR COUNTY 

Was organized in 1850, and is one of the centre counties of the 
southern tier. 

“The northern part of the county is principally prairie, while 
the southern is supplied with a large giowth of timber. Though 
the county is more broken than many north and cast of it, the soil 
is all susceptible of cultivation, and more than half the county 
heavily timbered. Thompson’s Folk of Grand river and tributa¬ 
ries spread over the west part of the county, affording an abund¬ 
ance of clear, soft water, and plenty of timber for all purposes. 
These streams are backed by extersive beds of lime and sandstone, 
suitable tor building purposes, and supply water sufficient to lun 
flouring and saw 7 mills most of the year. Wildon’s loik ol Grand 
river, traversing the eastern portion of the county, is better tim¬ 
bered, but not so good as a mill stream.” There are seme indica¬ 
tions of coal beds along several of these streams, but none have 
been worked yet. 

Leon, the county seat, is situated near the centre of the county, 
within half a mile of an extensive body of timber. Decatur, the 
only other prominent town, is in the northeast corner of the county, 
and surrounded by a rich and fertile country. It is settled by a 
very intelligent and enterprising population. 

The nearest market for surplus products will be Des Moines, which 
is about 75 miles from the centre of the county. At present it is 
Eddyville or Ottumwa, about 90 miles distant. 

WAYNE COUNTY 

Was organized in 1851, and settled first in 1848. It foims one of 
the southern tier of counties. Our correspondents write us that it 
is comparatively a new county—that, the general face of the county 
is level prairie, with numerous small streams, on wffiicli a moderate 
supply of timber is afforded, consisting of oak, hickory, maple, wal¬ 
nut, elm, &c. Notmore than one acre in 25 is improved and under 
cultivation. Improved land is selling for from §5 to $15 per acre. 
Breaking costs $3 per acre and fencing near the same. There is 
some scarcity of stone on the west side of the county, but in 
the east part and northeast corner there is an abundance of fine 
stone for building, and coal is plenty in the same places. In conse¬ 
quence of scarcity of labor, farm hands command $1.50 per day for 
temporary purposes, and mechanics $3 per day. Education re¬ 
ceives its full share of attention.” 

As to churches, there are several Methodist, several kinds of Bap¬ 
tists, Christian or Disciples, Presbyterians, United Brethren, &c. 

Fruits such as apples, grapes, currants, gooseberries and cherries, 
thrive well. 

Most of the surplus products are fed to stock, which are driven to 
Ottumwa or Eddyville to be shipped by rail from there east, which are 
distant from the county seat, 70 to 80 miles. “I do not believe there is a 
county in the State better adapted for raising stock, sheep in par- 


CLARKE AND WORTH COUNTIES. 


57 


ticular, owing to its fine elevated situation and abundant springs.’ 

Corydon, the county seat, is a flourishing town; no other towns of 
importance. 


CLARKE COUNTY 

Was first settled in 1819, and was organized in 1850. It is one of 
the centre counties in the second tier from the Missouri line, Its 
general surface is rolling, is well watered by numerous small streams 
on all of which more or less timber may be found. It is peculiarly 
well adapted to sheep. Its soil is good as is evidenced from its pro¬ 
ductions. Improved farms can be had for from $10 to $2 > per acre, 
according to location, &c ; unimproved lands from $3 to $8. 

Osceola, its county seat, is beautifully located on a high rolling 
prairie, in the centre of the county, and is distant from two rail 
roads about 75 miles, and from the State Capitol about 45 miles. It 
is on the surveyed line of the Burlington & Missouri River Rail¬ 
road. There is not more than one-seventh of the land under culti¬ 
vation in the county, but the balance is held by private individuals 
or corporations, principally non-residents. 


CHAPTER VIII. 

SIXTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT. 

The Sixth Congressional District is composed of the following 
counties: 


FIRST. 

SECOND. 

THIRD. 

FOURTH. 

Worth 

Sac 

Hamilton 

Story 

Cerro Gordo 

Clay 

Webster 

Boone 

Black Hawk 

Dickinson 

Kossuth 

Greene. 

Grundy 

O’Brien 

Palo Alto 


Butler 

Cherokee 

Emmett 


Franklin 

Ida 

Pocahontas 

FIFTH. 

Hardin 

Woodbury 

Calhoun 

Monona 

Marshall 

Plymouth 

Humboldt 

Crawford 

Hancock 

Winnebago 

Sioux 

Lyon 

Buena Vista 
Osceola 

Wright 

Carroll 


Those in the first column are described first below. 

Those in the second column, will be found in the next chapter, 
(IX), under counties in the Fort Dodge Land District. 







58 


DESCRIPTION OF IOWA. 


Those in the third column will be found in the succeeding chap¬ 
ter, (X), under counties in the Sioux City Land District. 

Those in the fourth column will be found in a preceding chap¬ 
ter, (VI), under counties in Central Iowa. 

Those in VoQjifth column will be found in chapter XI, under those 
embraced in the Western Counties, or “Missouri Slope." 


WORTH COUNTY 

Was organized in 1857, and lies near the centre of the northern 
tier of counties. 

It is fairly watered by the head-waters and tributaries of the 
Shell Rock river. The general character of the county is rich, lev¬ 
el prairie, inclined to be wet, but there are some very choice lands 
scattered throughout the county, especially in the northern part and 
about Bristol. From its general average of agricultural products it 
ranks equal to any in the State, and above the State averSge in 
wheat, potatoes and sorgo syrup per acre. Its present population is 
about 1000. Northwood, its county seat, is situated on the Shell 
Rock river, in the northern portion of the county. The centre of 
the county is distant from the Mississippi river 100 miles. When 
the McGregor western road is half completed, the distance to travel 
for an eastern outlet by rail will not be over 20 miles. In its nine 
school districts it has one school house of stone, seven frame and 
one log. 


CERRO GORDO COUNTY 

Is in the second tier of counties from the Minnesota line, and near 
the centre east and west, on a line due west from McGregor, on the 
Mississippi, 110 miles distant. The prairies are extremely fertile 
and unrivaled for farming purposes. It is Avell watered by Shell 
Rock and Lime rivers on the north, Clear Lake on the west, and 
Willow and Buffalo creeks in the central and southern portions of 
the county, all of which are plentifully supplied with every variety 
of fresh native fish, weighing from one to twenty lbs. These 
streams are bordered with ledges of lime stone and lined w T ith ex¬ 
cellent timber; they also afford abundance of water power. 

Mason City is the county seat, which is located at the confluence 
of Lime river and Willow creek, in the northwest part of the county. 
It is a thriving town of near 100 dwelling houses and as many fam¬ 
ilies. It has a two story stone school house, erected at a cost of 
$3000, a grocery and three dry goods stores, two blacksmith shops, 
one cabinet shop, one saw mill, one flour mill, two joiner shops, 
tailor shops, jewelry store, etc. Two mail routes pass through it, 


BLACK HAWK COUNTY. 


59 


one from Dubuque by way of Cedar Falls, and one from McGregor. 

It is a point on the line of the McGregor Western Railroad, 
which it is confidently expected will be completed at an early day. 
The other prominent towns are Plymouth and Shell Rock Falls, on 
the Shell Rock river; Clear Lake City and Livonia, bordering on 
Clear Lake, one of the most extensive and beautiful lakes in the 
northwestern country. 

Improved lands can be had for ten dollars per acre, and unim¬ 
proved for from two to five dollars per acre. Timber lands from 
five to ten dollars per acre. Breaking land costs three dollars per 
acre, and fencing one dollar per rod. Wages of fatnn hands from 
twenty to twenty-five dollars per month, of mechanics two to three 
dollars per day. The nearest and best points for sale of products 
are Cedar Falls, on the Sioux City Railroad, and Calmar, on Mc¬ 
Gregor Railroad. 

BLACK HAWK COUNTY 

Was organized in 1853, is in the fourth tier from the north line of 
the State, and the fourth from the Mississippi, west of Dubuque. 

It is well watered by the Cedar river and its branches, which runs 
diagonally from northwest to southeast, through the county. It 
possesses some of the best of lands, improved and unimproved, em¬ 
bracing choice prairie and good timber in quantities sufficient for all 
general purposes. Beautiful grey limestone is found in this county, 
on the Cedar river, and the clay makes the best of brick. 

Improved farms, from one to five miles from the principal towns, 
range from ten to twenty-five dollars per acre. Wild lands, within 
the same distance, five to ten dollars per acre. Beyond that distance 
from three to five dollars per acre. Timber lands, according to qual¬ 
ity and location, from ten to thirty dollars per acre. 

The principal towns in the county are Waterloo (the county seat,) 
and Cedar Falls, in each of which there is a good newspaper pub¬ 
lished. 

Cedar Falls is situated on Cedar river, due west from Dubuque 
100 miles, on the completed line, thus far, of the Dubuque and Sioux 
City Railroad. At this point there is said to be one of the best, 
(some claim for it the best) water power in the State, on which 
there are three large flouring mills in operation. There are also a 
planing mill, carding machine, foundry, machine shop, woolen and 
other manufactories in operation. This being the present terminus 
of the railroad, it affords a market for all the surplus produce north 
and west for 100 miles. Its population is about 2,500 of about as 
intelligent and enterprising a people as are to be found in the State. 
As one of the evidences of this, w r e instance the only live Horticul¬ 
tural Society in the State, which has large rooms especially appro¬ 
priated to its uses. 


60 


DESCRIPTION OF IOWA. 


GRUNDY COUNTY 

Was organized in 1856, is near the centre of the fourth tier of 
counties, and the fourth from the north line of the State. 

It is principally prairie, high and rolling. Its soil has been 
proven to be as productive as any in the State, and its only barrier 
to general settlement is the scarcity of timber. Its principal 
streams are the headwaters of Black Hawk, Wolf, and Beaver 
creeks. The Dubuque and Sioux City Railroad is located on or 
near the north line of this county. The nearest point at present 
from the centre of the county to a railroad is at Waterloo, in Black 
Hawk county, about 25 miles. 

Grundy Centre, the county seat, is the only town of any im¬ 
portance. 

For cheap and good lands, in a central location, those of this 
county should not be overlooked. 

BUTLER COUNTY 

Lies in the third tier of counties from the north line of the State, 
and is the fourth in that tier from the Mississippi river. 

This county contains a fine body of gently rolling prairie, some 
parts broken, but all desirable for cultivation. It is well watered 
by the Shellrock river and branches of the Cedar river, which 
flow into it from the west and northwest, on all cf which there aro 
good mill sites. They are also so well skirted with timber as to 
afford sufficient for the wants of the inhabitants on the intervening 
prairies. It was in this county where the “Ohio Stock Breeding 
Association” opened a large farm, over a thousand acres, and in¬ 
troduced upon it some of the best breeds of cattle, horses, swine, 
&c., to be found in Ohio. This stock has been all sold in this and 
neighboring counties, proving of immense benefit to this section of 
the State by the infusion of such good blood into the common stock. 

Clarksville, Butler Centre, Willoughbj, and Shellrock are the 
principal towns. Butler Centre is the county seat. The eastern por¬ 
tion of the county enjoys railroad facilities within 15 to 20 miles 
at several points. 


FRANKLIN COUNTY 

Was organized in 1855, and is situated near the centre of the 
fourth tier of counties from the north line of the State. 

This county is generally prairie, rich, high and rolling, and 
watered in the northeast portion by the headwaters of the Shell- 
rock river, and in the southwest corner by the Iowa river. 

The nearest point to a railroad from the centre of the county is 
about 75 miles. 

Hampton is the county seat. 

HARDIN COUNTY 

Was organized in 1853, lies very near the centre of the State, 
the fourth from the north State line. 


MARSHALL COUNTY. 


61 


It is well watered by the Iowa river and its tributaries, on 
which timber is abundant, having more than an average of the 
counties. Red sandstone and fine white limestone are abundant. 
Coal is found and taken out in many places in large quantities. 
The prairies are generally rolling, on which the soil is equal to 
any in the State. There is considerable water power in the county. 

The principal towns are Eldora, (the county seat), Iowa Falls, 
Aldeu and Hardin, all of which lie upon the Iowa river. The 
advantages of Iowa Falls as a manufacturing town are very 
superior, as it possesses unlimited water power, some of which is 
used for large flouring mills, &c. The finest quality of limestone 
is found in abundance in and around the town. It soon expects to 
enjoy direct railroad facilities. 

From the centre of the county to the nearest railroad is about 40 
miles. 

In a recent editorial on the peculiar advantages otfered to 
immigrants in Hirdin county, the Eldora Sentinel claims a popula¬ 
tion of 7000; total freedom from debt; county warrants selling at 
par; an inexhaustible coal field underlying the entire central 
portion of the county; numerous creeks and brooks tributary to 
the Iowa river; mill sites every three to five miles on the latter 
stream; and a larger quantity of timber than three -fourths of 
the other counties in the State—about one-sixteenth of the county 
being wood land, principally oak and hickory, though maple, 
walnut, linn and elm are found in considerable quantities. 

MARSHALL COUNTY 

Was organized in 1850, and is very near the geographical centre 
of the State. 

This county ranks among the best in the State, as well for its 
productive soil as its fine natural position. It is well watered by 
the Iowa river and its tributaries, which runs through it, and by 
the headwaters of the North Skunk river. Some of the finest farms 
and farming lands in the State are on Minerva creek in the north¬ 
west corner. The streams are generally heavily timbered, and 
some of them contain excellent qualities of building and limestone. 
The prairies are beautifully rolling and the soil very productive. 
In consequence of the high position of the prairies, the crops of this 
county have never been materially injured by wet and dry seasons 
or early and late frosts. Considerable water power is afforded iu 
this county for milling purposes. 

The Cedar Rapids Railroad runs east and west through the centre 
of the county, on which Marshalltown, the county scat, is a promi¬ 
nent point, and a place of considerable business, with a population 
of upwards of 2000. Marietta, the old county seat, and Albion and 
Le Grand, are the other prominent towns. Albion is the seat of 
the Iowa Lutheran College. 

Improved lands can be had in this county at about the average 
prices; unimproved from 4 to 10 dollars; average about 6 dollars 
per acre. 





62 


DESCRIPTION OF IOWA. 


HANCOCK COUNTY 

Was organized in 1858, is second from the north line of the State, 
and nearly central east and west. 

The headwaters of the Iowa and Boyer rivers drain the south half 
of this county, and the headwaters of Lime creek flow through the 
northeast corner. There is a lake of considerable size a little north 
of the centre of the county, and numerous small lakes, especially 
in the northern part. Its general characteristics of soil and climate 
are very similar to Kossuth county, on the west of it. Its average 
of agricultural productions per acre, are equal to the general 
average of the State, and of some excel them. 

Upper Grove, in the south part of the county, is the county seat, 
on the Upper Iowa, around which there is considerable timber. 

WINNEBAGO COUNTY 

Was organized in 1857, and is the central county in the northern 
tier. 

We have no very reliable information in regard to this county. A 
very large proportion of it is prairie, with a considerable number 
of wet, boggy places, some of them so deep as to hold water suffi¬ 
cient to be called ponds or lakes. These may all be made subservient 
to receive the drainage water of the high ridges of prairie sur¬ 
rounding them, which afford good water for stock. There is a 
large lake on the east side of the county. The population at the 
last State census, in 1^68, was only 200, so that little can be judged 
of the productiveness of the soil from the 664 acres under cultiva¬ 
tion in the county. Forest City, the county seat, is located on 
Lime creek, a tributary of the Shellrock river, near the south line 
of the county, 


CHAPTER IX. 

GOVERNMENT LAND COUNTIES. 

For greater convenience of description, we have grouped those 
counties together in which most of the lands belonging to the 
government are located in this State, which are embraced almost 
entirely in the Fort Dodge and Sioux City Land Districts. 

The quantity of government land in Iowa is about 4,000,000 
acres, nearly all in the northwestern quarter of the State, including 
parts of about twenty counties, within a space of eighty-four miles 
from north to south, and about one hundred miles from cast to west, 
and mostly west of the Des Moines river. 



FORT DODGE LAND DISTRICT. 


63 


GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE FORT DODGE LAND DISTRICT. 

The best of the vacant lands in the Fort Dodge Land District are 
in the counties of Webster, Humboldt, Kossuth, Emmett, Palo Alto, 
Pocahontas and Calhoun. The western tier of townships in the last 
four counties named are in the Sioux City District. The Des Moines 
river passes through Emmett, Palo Alto, Pocahontas, Humboldt and 
Webster; and its East Fork passes through Kossuth and enters the 
main river in Humboldt county. The valley of this river and that 
of the East. Fork are well known to contain the best lands in the 
State, taken as an area of ten miles on each side of the river. The 
country north of Webster county is thinly settled though the counties 
are organized and post offices and mail routes have been established. 
Many of the tine lands on the roads, and near the river, or within 
three miles of it, are still vacant. Over half of the 7,000 acres 
of vacant lands in this district are within ten miles of saw mills, 
post offices and stage roads; over 50,000 acres are within five miles 
of these advantages, and at least 25,000 acres are in their immedi¬ 
ate vicinity. 

Among the vacant lands in this district are the best grass 
lands in the west. Among the valuable native grasses are 
red top and blue joint, yielding two to three tons of hay 
per acie. If cut at the proper time, these and several other 
kinds that grow only sparingly east, of the Mississippi, are 
as nutritious as the cultivated grasses. These grass lands 
are rich natural meadows and are so interspersed that some 
occur on every section, while there is scarcely a quarter section 
that has not also some land equally well adapted to grain and fruit 
raising. In this well watered country, large bodies of first rate 
vacant land, enough for a neighborhood of settlers, in a dozen 
localities, can be found upon or near a stream. Other localities 
have springs or ponds of permanent water. In Kossuth, Emmett, 
Palo Alto and Pocahontas counties are many beautiful lakes, some 
of them partly surrounded by timber, and abounding in good fish. 
These lakes are surrounded by fine grass and grain lands. The soil 
is deeper and richer than the average of the more noted portions of 
the West. The sub-soil, at a depth of three to ten feet, is clay. 
Water is usually found over the whole district, at an average depth 
of about fifteen feet. AVells are seldom over twenty-five feet deep 
except on the bluffs near the rivers. The lands offering the best 
advantages at present for settlements are those from ten to twenty 
miles directly west of Fort Dodge, and those within five to ten miles 
of the Des Moines river above Fort Dodge, in Humboldt, Pocahontas, 
Palo Alto and Emmett counties, and also those near the East Fork 
in Kossuth county. Good lands can be obtained within five miles 
of the county seats. 

The Dubuque and Sioux City Railroad, on reaching Fort Dodge, 
will be extended westward, and the Keokuk, Fort Des Moines and 
Minnesota Railroad on reaching Fort Dodge, will be constructed 
northward along the Des Moines river to the line of Minnesota. 
'Phcse ai’c both land grant roads and the- rights to the "valuable Lmu 


DESCRIPTION OF IOWA. 


64 


grants depend on the construction of the roads. There is no ques¬ 
tion, therefore, considering the interest of the companies, as to the 
roads being constructed at an early day. Both roads will in a few 
years pass over hundreds of tracts now vacant, and which will then 
be worth from five to fifteen dollars per acre. As a whole, this land 
district is mostly prairie. Timber tracts along the rivers and on 
some of their tributaries, near a large number of vacant tracts, can 
be purchased at five to fifteen dollars per acre, depending on the loca¬ 
tion and quality. There is but little timber remaining on any of the 
vacant lands, and this remark applies to all the lands in Iowa, 
Minnesota or Nebraska, wherever it is desirable to settle. 

The vacant lands in this district, belonging to the United States, 
a 3 furnished us by Gen. Richards, Register of Land Office, at Fort 
Bodge, are divided as follows, and includes the $1,25 and $2,50 
lauds: 


Wel)3ter 
Wright 
Hamilton 
C ilh oun 


Go. 16,000 acres 
“ 12 , 0)0 “ 

“ 12,000 “ 

“ 15,000 “ 


Pocahontas Co. 50,000 acres [Emmett Co. 


Humboldt 

“ 30,000 “ 

Hardin 

Palo Alto 

“ 150,000 “ 

Franklin 

Kossuth 

“ 230,000 “ 

1 

Total.. 


150,000 acres 
12.000 “ 
8,000 “ 


735,000 “ 


HAMILTON COUNTY 

Was organized in 1857, and lies near the centre of the fourth tier 
of counties from the Minnesota line. 

The soil of the county, like that of those further ivestward, is 
fully equal to any in the eastern part of the State, and like the 
other lands on the line of the Dubuque and Sioux City Railroad, 
between these lands and Sioux City, they will become a rich agri¬ 
cultural country after the road is built. 

The above named Railroad will run through the northern part of 
this county. 

Webster City, which is a thriving place, is the county seat, and 
possesses an excellent newspaper, which is well supported. There 
are 20 school districts in this county, which have 17 school houses. 


WEBSTER COUNTY 

Was organized in 1864, and lies in the fourth tier of counties 
from the northern line of the State, directly west of Hamilton 
county. 

“The Des Moines river flows through the eastern portion of this 
county, and from its frequent bends drains nearly every township 
therein.” The fertility of the upper part of the Des Moines valley, 
or that portion including Webster and four other counties, is not 
surpassed by that of any of the counties in the above settled por¬ 
tions of the State. It has every variety of soil, situation, timber, 
building material, &c., with a good choice of grain or stock lands 
for farms, in almost every neighborhood. The immense quantities 
of gypsum at Ft. Dodge, the county seat, in solid ledges over 20 feet 
thick, will eventually become of great value. It is easily dressed 
with an axe or cut with a saw, and is used for building purposes. 

Ft. Dodge is the county seat, and is perhaps the most, flourishing 





KOSSUTH COUNTY. 



and important point in northern central Iowa. It is one of the 
points on the Dubuque and Sioux City Railroad. The east and west 
forks of the Des Moines unite 12 miles above Ft. Dodge. The U. S. 
Land Offices for this district are located at Ft. Dodge. 

KOSSUTH COUNTY 

Was organized in 1855, and lies directly north of Webster county 
on the Minnesota line. 

This is one of the choice counties, especially its southern half, 
equal in natural advantages to the older settled counties on the 
Cedar, Iowa, or Wapsipinicon rivers. The fine crops of wheat and 
corn raised this year (1862), as well as in Webster, Humboldt, 
Pocahontas and Palo Alto counties, indicate the good judgment of 
the pioneer farmers in settling such a district, even if obliged to 
wait for a railrond to ship their surplus products. Steck raising is 
found particularly successful, as nowhere on anj 7 route did I see 
horses and cattle in better condition. Like irostof the valley of 
this river, (the Des Moines), the soil is a dark, rich mold, one or tw 7 o 
feet deep, except a few gravelly hills occasionally near the river, 
and sometimes along the banks of the prairie streams. A few 
roundish boulders of the kind scattered over the whole northeastern 
portion of the State, appear on the prairies. On the eastern side of 
the county, there is a strip about six or eight miles long, and three 
or four miles wide, which is very wet, and is like a succession of 
ponds. 

Our especial correspondent, writing from Algona. the county seat, 
says: “There is one point to which I desire to call your especial 
attention. This part of the State is an isolated svmmit , surrounded 
on all sides by land from three to six hundred feet lower, and the 
consequence is we have almost ycrjcct immunity from Jrost in the 
growing seasons. This is proven by careful observations during ten 
years. I was absent, when the great frost ot August, 1868, sw 7 ept 
over the western states. I was thought demented when I told my 
friends east that our section had escaped. The next week I received 
a copy of the Alyona Press , which contained this paragraph: “Dr. 
McKay has just returned from Des Moines, and reports a frost at 
that place. At Ft. Dodge it was confined to the river bottoms. We 
saw nothing of it here.” I came home and found our corn and all 
other crops sound. It is always so. The jeports of the Smithsonian 
Institute confirm it. During ten years, of which I have the dates, 
we have had but one frost that could catch anything planted in due 
time, and that was but slight. We have never had a damaging 
spring frost. Peaches have grown and matured here this season, in 
a situation fully exposed on the open prairie. Apples, plums, cher¬ 
ries, Isabella grapes, and all small fruits hung full. This region is 
destined to compete successfully with the promontory of southern 
Illinois, which is similarly situated. There are some hills in Indi¬ 
ana, south of Bristol station, that escape in a similar manner, and 
from the same cause. But we have one great advantage over these 
localities, for with our isolated elevation we have a soil of unsur¬ 
passed fertility. I have traveled a good deal within ten years, and 


66 


DESCRIPTION OF IOWA. 


I come home after journeying, with a higher opinion of the valley 
of the upper Des Moines. Our only drawback is a scarcity of tim¬ 
ber, and that can be overcome.” 

‘•You are aware that there is still much land in this county in the 
hands of the general Government. Breaking costs from three to 
four dollars per acre, and timber lands from ten to twenty dollars 
per acre.” 

Our correspondent’s statement may be fully relied upon. The 
county superintendent writes that immigration is pouring into that 
county, of the very best kind of people for the west, and that con¬ 
sequently new schools are constantly opening, and all are in a flour¬ 
ishing condition. 


TALO ALTO COUNTY 

Was organised in 1857, and lies directly west of Kossuth county, 
and possesses many of the characteristics of that county. The west 
branch of the Des Moines river runs through the entire portion of 
it from its northern centre, diverging somewhat to the southeast. 
There is a lake called “ Medium Lake,” near the centre of the county, 
about three miles east of the river; it is about three miles long and 
one fourth of a mile wide, which is partly bordered by timber, and 
surrounded by excellent land. The soil is mostly dry, very slightly 
sandy on some portions of the wide river bottoms, and the prairies 
are well adapted to both grass and grain. 

Paoli is the county seat, situated between the above named lake 
and the river. 


EMMETT COUNTY 

Was organized in 1859, and is in the northern tier of counties, 
immediately south of Palo Alto. 

“This county consists of only twelve townships, is mostly good 
farming land, and has a number of beau'iful lakes. Both forks of 
the Des Moines flow through it from twelve to fifteen miles apart, 
and both have strips of timber. It is said that about one-third of the 
county has been selected as “swamp lands,” but that should not be 
considered a reproach to the character of the soil, for in some coun¬ 
ties the selecting agents appear to have carefully omitted the wettish 
land in some places and selected the dry rolling prairies along the 
rivers.” The northern part of the county is described in our descrip¬ 
tion of Humboldt and Kossuth counties. 

Esterville is the county seat, located in the northwestern part of 
the county. 


FOCAHONTAS COUNTY 

Was organized in 1859, is the fourth county from the Missouri 
river and in the third tier from the Minnesota line. The west 
branch of the Des Moines river flows through the northeast corner. 
The general character of the soil, elevation, &c., especially of the 
eastern half, must be very similar to that of Humboldt and Kossuth 
counties, which lie east and northeast of it. Stone quarries have 




CALHOUN AND HUMBOLDT COUNTIES. 


67 


been recently discovered on the Des Moines river in the northeast 
and on North Lizzard creek in the southeastern part of the county. 
From the centre of the county to Ft. Dodge, which will be the natural 
market lor this county, is about BO to 35 miles. 

llolfe is the county seat. 

CALHOUN COUNTY 

Was organized in 1855, lies in the fourth tier of counties from the 
northern liue, and is directly west of Webster county. There is very 
little timber in this county, but the lands are good for grass and 
grain. There are a group of lakes in the northern part of this 
county, and one in the southern part. 

Lake City is the count” seat. The market for surplus products 
will be Ft. Dodge, which is about 35 miles from the centre of the 
county. The line of the Dubuque and Sioux City Railroad runs 
through this county. 


HUMBOLDT COUNTY 

Was organized in 1857, lies in the third tier of counties south of 
the Minnesota line, directly norih of Webster county, in which 
Ft. Dodge is situated. It is very sparsely settled, there being at 
the last Governor's election, in 1863, but 92 votes in it. Emigra¬ 
tion to it has been large during the past two years, There is an 
interesting settlement in the northeast part of the county in home¬ 
steads, another in the northwest part about McKnight’s Point, and 
a third, numbering over 60 persons, embracing farmers, mechanics 
and teachers, who emigrated in the spring of 1863 from Central 
New York, under the auspices of Rev. S. H. Taft, of the Congrega¬ 
tional Church, and settled in Dacotali township. Springvale is a 
town in this settlement, laid out by Mr. Taft in I860, on the West 
Des Moines river. It was thus named because of the numerous 
springs which abound along the river and its location in a beau¬ 
tiful valley. A superior dam has been erected across the river at 
this point, and a saw and lath mill is in operation on it. Mr. Taft 
has nearly completed a first class flouring mill, which will cost 
$7000. There is also a saw mill on the East Des Moines, owned 
by George McConley. We are not advised whether there are any 
mills at the northwest settlement. Dakotah is the county seat. 

At Springvale there are-sand and limestone for building pur¬ 
poses, and a valuable bed of iron ore has been found there. Many 
improvements are going on at Springvale to make it a desirable 
residence for the settler. 

The East and West Forks of the Des Moines river flow through 
this county, the former through the centre from the north, the 
latter frem the northwest part of the county, uniting about two 
miles north of its southern boundary. 

Improved lands can be had for 10 dollars per acre, unimproved 
from 2 to 5 dollars per acre. Breaking costs 3 dollars per acre, 
and fencing 1 dollar per rod. Farm laborers receive 1 dollar per 
day, mechanics 2 dollars per day. 



DESCRIPTION OF IOWA. 


68 

A woolen factory is needed to make up the fleeces of over 2000 
sheep, there being ample water power at Springvale for the purpose, 
wiih nine feet head. 

There are stage routes to Fort Dodge, Mankato and Spirit Lake. 

There are 13 public schools, a free Congregational or Union 
Church, two Methodist churches, and one Quaker church. 

“Most of the northern portion of this county is a healthy, undu¬ 
lating prairie plain, mostly dry, of the best quality of soil, extending 
into Palo Alto and Kossuth counties. The advantages of this body 
of land has recently attracted the attention of a number of stock 
growers in Illinois, who, with others, have entered more land in 
this county than has been entered during the past year (1863) in 

all the other counties’of the State.” 

< 

WRIGHT COUNTY 

Lies in the third tier of counties from the north line and near the 
centre of the State east and west. Its soil is a rich black loam, 
with a strata of clay at various depths from the surface. Almost 
the entire county is good for hay or cultivation. The facilities for 
raising stock of all kinds are not excelled by any place in this 
latitude, from which the most profit is to be derived. Commencing 
four years since, a pair of oxen could be raised for' 25 dollars. 
Sheep have been introduced into ihe county, which have thus far 
succeeded admirably. Horses are raised with great facility and 
profit. All we need is more hardy, enterprising tillers of the soil, 
which is all ready for the plow, and which will yield to them a 
rich reward. 

Improved farms are worth from G to 15 dollars per acre, and 
unimproved lands from 1,50 to 5 dollars per acre; timber land 
from 15 to 25 dollars per acre. Yearly wages of farm labor about 
300 dollars, and daily wages of mechanics 2 dollars. Price of 
wood for fuel per cord, $1,75, and of coal 30 cents per bushel. 
Price of breaking land three dollars and a half per acre, and of 
good fencing timber 20 dollars per 1000 feet. 

The distance to the nearest market is 60 miles at Nevada. When 
the railroad is completed to Iowa Falls, in Black Hawk county, it 
will be from the southeast corner of the county to railroad about 
15 miles, and from the county seat 45 miles. 

There are three Methodist churches, one United Brethren and 
one Presbyterian. 

Goldfield is the county seat. 

“One of the best features of the lands in these counties,’’ says 
our informant above quoted, “is the large growth of good native 
grasses for hay. Among these grasses are the “blue joint,” and 
two species of “red top,”—one species is ripe in the latter part of 
July, and should be cut early; the other is ripe in September, and 
should be cut in August.” 


SIOUX CITY LAND DISTRICT. 


69 


CHAPTER X. 

SIOUX CITY LAND DISTRICT. 

GENERAL DESCRIPTION. 

The best of the 2,500,000 acres of Government lands in the Sioux 
City District, and that will first have the advantage of market 
facilities, are those within twenty miles of the line of the Dubuque 
and Sioux City Railroad, in the counties of Calhoun, Sac, Buena 
Vista, Ida, Cherokee and Woodbury, and more particularly neai 
Coon, Maple and Little Sioux rivers. Most of this District is a 
part of the Missouri slope, and is distinguished for its fertile soil, 
absence of sloughs and boulders, abundance of living springs and 
numerous streams, easy tillage and wide river valleys, longer 
slopes, larger bodies of exclusively grain land, a more friable soil, 
deeper channels of the rivers and streams, a dryer climate, and a 
peculiar adaptation both to grain and stock raising. There is 
timber along the rivers, except near their sources, and occasional 
groves in the ravines near the lower portion of the river valleys. 
The West Fork of the Little Sioux and the Floyd are other rivers 
in this District. All have nearly equally beautiful valleys. As 
the rivers approach the Missouri the bluffs are more steep and the 
land for a space of several miles each side of the valleys more 
broken. In some counties, especially Ida, Cherokee and Woodbury, 
there are large tracts, often several sections, from three to five 
miles from the rivers, mostly covered by a growth of young oaks, 
though killed nearly eve^r year by the prairie fires. If they 
escape the fire two years they are loaded with acorns, the roots 
being large and perpetual. This kind of land, if protected from the 
fires by surrounding furrows, would in a few years be covered by 
dense groves of young timber. The D. & S. C. Railroad will pass 
near a large quantity of this kind of land. The best grass lands in 
this district, except in its eastern portion and an occasional town¬ 
ship elsewhere, are along the rivers. Further northward the 
counties of Clay, O’Brien, Dickinson, Osceola, Lyon, Sioux and 
Plymouth offer similar advantages as to fertility of soil and gen¬ 
erally as to water, but with less timber. Dickinson, and the 
western townships of Emmett, Palo Alto and Pocahontas, (also in 
this district) have about twenty beautiful lakes. Some of these 
lakes are several miles in extent; a few marshes occur near some; 
there is timber partly surrounding others and all have good lands 
near them. The little Sioux river passes through seven counties in 
this District, and Rock river runs through three counties in the 
northwest corner of Iowa before it enters the Big Sioux river, which 
is the western boundary above Sioux City. In every county named 
there is vacant land of good quality, and in some of the northern 
counties there are whole townships. A recent land grant was 
given by Congress for the construction of a railroad from Sioux 
City to Mankato and St. Paul, in Minnesota. This road will 
probably pass northeastward through the counties of Woodbury, 
Ply mo tip O’Brien, Clay, Dickinson and Emmett, and will open a 


70 


DESCRIPTION Oi' IOWA. 


fine section of country in those counties to settlements-and markets. 
No settlement or towns j in the Fort Dodge District will be over 80 
miles by common roads and railroads from the vast amounts of coal 
on Boone and Des Moines rivers, in Hamilton and Webster counties, 
and the coal and gypsum at Fort Dodge; no places on or near the 
lines of the three land grant railroads in the Sioux City District 
will be more than 100 miles from Fort Dodge or from other coal 
mines. 

In that portion of both these land districts from which the water 
flows to the Mississippi, there are occasional marshes of limited 
extent, covered with peat, which has been found to be valuable for 
fuel. This will supply fuel to a sufficient extent until forest trees 
can be grown. This region, and in fact the whole of the prairie 
lands in Iowa, are well adapted to the culture of forest trees. The 
cottonwood becomes a protecting grove against wdnds in four years. 
The locust grows well and is more valuable. Other kinds of trees 
of slower growdh also grow well. There is generally a scarcity of 
stone in this part of the State, except on the Des Moines river, 
but good clay for brick is abundant. Limestone and sandstone 
occui in Hamilton and Webster; limestone in Humboldt and Poca¬ 
hontas; limestone and sandstone in Woodbury, Sioux and Lyon, and 
on the lake shores in five other counties there are natural walls of 
boulders, often nearly continuous, piled up by the action of the ice. 
Whatever natural advantages may be wanting in these land dis¬ 
tricts, the deficiency as compared with any other portion of the 
west, is made up by a greater fertility of soil, the better drainage, 
the diversified adaptation to grain and grass, the proximity to the 
markets afforded by the Missouri and Mississippi rivers, and the 
nearness to coal, gypsum and lime. The last ten years of develop¬ 
ment in value of all the lands in the eastern half of the State may be 
taken as a criterion by which to judge what this unsettled region 
will be ten years hence—railroads passing through farms as far as 
the eye can reach—land worth 10 to 20 dollarsper acre—herds and 
flocks on hundreds of the long slopes of prairie in every town¬ 
ship, and fruit and forest trees in lines and groves half hiding 
the homes of prosperous farmers. 

SPECIAL DESCRIPTION OF THE COUNTIES IN THIS DISTRICT. 

SAC COUNTY 

AV as organized in 1868, and lies in the fourth tier of counties from 
the north line of the State, and the third county from the Missouri 
river. Coon river heads in the eastern part of the county, flowing 
through three or four townships, and the west side is full of streams, 
the head waters of the Boyer and Maple rivers. The northern tier 
of townships average only eight miles from the line of the Dubuque 
and Sioux City Railroad, and the Cedar Rapids Railroad will prob¬ 
ity pass through the southeastern townships. The land is described 
to be of the first quality. 

Sac City is the county seat, situated on Coon river, in the east¬ 
ern part of the county. 


CLAY AND DICKINSON COUNTIKS. 


71 


CLAY COUNTY 

Was organized in 1858, it lies in the second tier of counties 
from the northern State line, and the third county from the Mis¬ 
souri river. It is traversed by the Little Sioux river, and well 
watered by its numerous branches, and like the whole of the valley 
of this liver, the soil is of a superior quality. Timber is generally 
verv scarce. 

The county seat is Peterson, about two miles from the south¬ 
western corner of the county, and about 15 miles from a railroad 
line, soon to be constructed. 

DICKINSON COUNTY 

Was organized in 1857, is one of the northern tier, and the third 
from the western boundary of the State. 

“This county has been settled for some years, its beautiful 
lands and some bodies of timber near Spirit Lake having attracted 
pioneers there in 1856. This lake covers about a third of a town¬ 
ship, and is, perhaps the largest in the State. Spirit Lake City, 
the county seat, is south of Spirit Lake, and at the head of 
Okoboji Lake, or rather two lakes of irregular form, ten or twelve 
miles long and about a mile wide. These lakes are surrounded 
mostly by good lands. 5 ’ On the east side of the C( untv there are 
some wet lands. 


O’BRIEN COUNTY 

Was organized in 1860, is in the second tier of counties from the 
north line of the State, and the second from the western boundary 
of the State. 

“ This county has but few inhabitants, though it will be 
attractive to farmer-immigrants as soon as the railroad is built, 
which will pass about eight miles from its southern line. There 
is but little timber in this county.” It lies high, and most of it is 
very level. A traveller through it told us that he could in some 
places run a line with a plow for six miles without breaking a fur¬ 
row. O’Brien, the county seat, is in the southeast township. 

CHEROKEE COUNTY 

Was organized in 1856, is in the third tier of counties from the 
north State line, and the second from the Missouri river. 

u The Little Sioux passes diagonally and southwesterly near the 
centre of this county. Maple river flows through the eastern 
townships, and branches of the west fork of the Little Sioux flow 
from the western townships. Cherokee, the county seat, is on the 
Little Sioux and the line of the railroad near the centre of the 
county, and from its position will probably become the principal 
point between Fort Dodge and Sioux City.” 


72 


DESCRIPTION OF IOWA. 


IDA COUNTY 

Was organized in 1858, is in the fourth tier of counties from the 
north line of the State and second from the Missouri river. 

“ This is one of the smaller counties, only twelve townships, but 
is a good county in soil, water and railroad prospects. Ida, the 
county seat, is near the centre of the county. The line of the 
Cedar Rapids and Missouri River Railroad approaches the town 
from the southeast, and follows the valley of the Maple North¬ 
westerly. The line of the Dubuque and Sioux City Railroad is 
fifteen miles north of this county. The wide and beautiful bottom 
lands of the main river have all been entered or pre empted. The 
bottom lands on the Maple liver cannot be excelled in the State, 
from Ida grove to its junction with the Little Sioux in Monona 
county. 

WOODBURY COUNTY 

Was organized in 1853, is in the fourth tier of counties from the 
northern State line, and lies on the Missouri river. 

“This is one of the largest counties in the State, being twenty- 
four miles wide anel nearly forty miles long. The Tattle Sioux 
passes through the eastern part, its west fork through the central 
portion, Floyd river flows through the northwestern township, the 
Maple river through the southeast township, and the Missouri and 
Big Sioux rivers form the west boundary. The central portion of 
the county is rather hilly in some townships, but the fine lands 
along the rivers and in the northern townships make it one of the 
best counties in that part of the State. Sioux City on the Miss¬ 
ouri, two miles below the mouth of the Big Sioux, is to be the ter¬ 
minus of the Dubuqt e and Sioux City railroad, and the starting 
point of one of the branches of the Pacific railroad. The present 
market advantages of this county are good being connected by the 
steamboat trade of the Missouri with St. Louis and with the terri¬ 
tories of Nebraska and Dakotah. Sioux City, the county scat, 
possesses all the advantages that would be expected in such a for¬ 
tunate location, and is a town of about 1000 inhabitants.” 

PLYMOUTH COUNTY 

Was organized in 1858, is one of tbe northern third tier of coun¬ 
ties and lies directly north of Woodbury on the Big Sioux river. 

“Floyd river and its branches pass through ten townships of this 
county, and the Dubuque and Sioux City Railroad line passes 
through six townships. Melbourne, the county seat, is on the 
Floyd and the Railroad line. Most of the lands in the wide, beautiful 
bottom of the Floyd have been entered There is some rough, 
broken ground near the streams on the bluffs. On all the divides 
the quality of the land cannot be excelled, and on the spreads of 
the heads of the creeks, the bottom lands generally are excellent. 
The good wheat crop of the past season, like that in the counties 





MEDICAL COLLEGE. —Keokuk, Iowa. 












































































































































































































































































SIOUX, LYON AND OTHER COUNTIES. 


73 

for 100 miles eastward, and the large yield of corn, together with 
the large growth of native grasses, and the good condition of the 
cattle and horses, as was the case elsewhere in this district, are all 
indications of the agricultural resources that will be developed 
along this railroad. 


SIOUX COUNTY 

Was organized in 1860, is one of the northern 2d tier counties, 
being on the Big Sioux river and on the western boundary of the 
State. It has but few settlers, and like its neighboring counties has 
a large quantity of vacant land of good quality, which is principally 
Congress land. The bottom lands on the Big Sioux lie generally 
beyond overflows and are of the best character. There is consider¬ 
able rough lands, some gravelly and sandy knolls dispersed through 
the county—gravelly near Rock river, in the northwestern part, and 
some sandy knolls in the south part of the county. 

LYON COUNTY 

Is not yet organized. It lies in the extreme northwest corner of 
the State, and once rejoiced in the name of “Buncombe.” It was 
very properly changed to its present name, in honor of the lamented 
General Lyon, who fell at the head of Iowa troops at the desperately 
fought battle at Wilson's creek in Missouri, in the first year of the 
war of rebellion. We have no specific information of its agricul¬ 
tural capabilities, but they doubtless will be found creditable to its 
honored namesake. 


BUENA VISTA COUNTY 

Was organized in 1858, and is the third county from both the 
north and the western boundaries of the State. 

It has but little timber; some is found on the Little Sioux in the 
northwest part of the county, and on Storm Lake in the south part 
of the county. The land is reported to be good, and so far as crops 
have been grown they are said to equal those on the Des Moines 
valley. The prairies are gently rolling. The growth of blue joint 
and other nutritious grasses is larger than of the same species 
in eastern counties, indicating an equal adaptation to stock raising 
and grain culture. 

This county lies on the route of the Dubuque and Sioux City rail¬ 
road. 


‘ OSCEOLA COUNTY 

Which is not yet organized, partakes of the general character of 
the contiguous counties. It enjoys fair water privileges, as the 
head waters of the Little Sioux and Rock rivers flow through nearly 
every township. 

[Notb: —On the border* of Plymouth, Cherokee, Sioux and O’Brien eounties, there 
is a slouch, known as the “ Big Slough,” averaging about a mile in width.] 


4 



74 


DESCRIPTION OF IOWA. 


CHAPTER XI. 

WESTERN IOWA, OR THE MISSOURI RIVER SLOPE. 

For the quoted passages in the following description of Western 
Iowa we are indebted to Mr. N. H. Parker’s book, “Iowa as it is,” 
issued in 1855. 

This section of our Stato has not generally received that attention 
which it deserves. Those living therein claim an equality with, if 
not a superiority over other sections of the State for agricultural 
purposes generally, but more especially for sheep and cattle ranges, 
on its high, rolling prairies and rich bottom lands. “It has fre¬ 
quently been remarked that no soil in the world would stand as 
much dry weather and there is none that is less injured by contin¬ 
uous wet weather. Whilst the winters are cold, they are generally 
dry. And although this district is almost entirely composed of 
hills, swells, ridges, valleys and bottom lands, thrown together in a 
grand and pleasing variety, there is scarcely an acre of waste land 
in the whole region; even the highest points and peaks abound with 
luxurious grass and vegetation, or timber and copsewood, and the 
soil is rich and fertile, which is a Hack, light, sandy loam, of a 
depth of from one to ten feet.” 

In regard to timber w r est of the bodies lying on the Des Moines 
river and branches, “ there is a reasonable quantity interspersed 
through the counties in the northwest and southwest, but upon the 
route directly east of Council Bluffs timber is very scarce for about 
a hundred miles, being found only in detached groves upon streams; 
yet on the near approach to the Missouri river the groves and clus¬ 
ters of timber become more frequent, having sufficient on the river 
counties for all reasonable demands. The varieties generally are 
oak, (three or four,) hickory, linn, hack-berry, black locust and 
coffee bean on the uplands, and the cottonwood, black walnut and 
elm, on the bottom lands. There are some fine quarries of lime 
rock, sand and slate stone.” There are but five counties in the 
“slope” where coal has been discovered: in Adams, Page and 
Union in considerable quantities, and Taylor and Fremont in small 
quantities. 

“The wild prairies are covered with a rich, luxurious growth of 
grass, varying in height from twenty inches to five feet, which 
makes the finest of grazing or hay, and which only requires cutting 
and stacking, not being as liable to injury as the tame grasses. For 
late food, the pea vines and rushes in the lowlands make feed that 
frequently will keep stock in good order all. winter. There are 
various bulbous roots that grow wild, such as in years past the 
Indians gathered for food. Among the rest is the wild potatoe, the 
bean and artichoke, which the hogs eat voraciously, The wild fruits 
are plums, gooseberries, strawberries; raspberries and grapes, which 
grow in great abundance in many places.” There is no section 
of the State, perhaps, more favorable for the growth of the grape 
than on the high bluffs which border on the Missouri river. 

There are about 400,000 acres of un-entered land in the Council 
Bluffs Land District, but there is none of it now subject to entry. 


ADAMS AND CASS COUNTIE*. 



Of this there are about 50,000 acres of $1.25 land, the balance being 
the alternate sections selected as railroad lands at $2.50 per acre. 
This railroad land is not yet selected or withheld from homestead 
pre-emptions, but it is expected that they soon will be. This land 
is scattered allover the District, perhaps more in Crawford, Monona 
and Carroll, than in any other counties. 

The following counties are generally embraced in this District: 


On the Missouri 
River. 

Fremont, 

Mills, 

Pottawatamie, 
Harrison, 
Monona, 
Woodbury, 

Ply mouth, 

Sioux , 

Lyon, 


2d tier from Mis¬ 
souri River. 

Page, 

Montgomery, 

Cass, 

Shelby, 

Crawford, 

Ida , 

I Cherokee, 

O' Brien, 
j Osceola, 


3d tier from Mis¬ 
souri River. 

Taylor, 

Adams, 

Adair, 

Audubon, 

Carroll, 

Sae, 

Buena Vista , 
Clay, 

Dickinson, 


4th tier from Mis 
souri River. 

Ringgold, 
Union, 
Guthrie, 
Greene, 
Calhoun , 
Pocahontas , 
Palo Alto, 
Emmett, 


BUfThose in italics are described in other Chapters. 


ADAMS COUNTY 

Was organized in 1858, is in the second tier of counties from 
the south line of the State, and the third from the Missouri river. 

It is well watered by the headwaters and tributaries of the 
Nodaway, One Hundred and Two, and Platte rivers, on which 
there is considerable water power for milling purposes. The rich¬ 
ness, fertility and depth of soil will compare favorably with any 
county in western Iowa. Its prairies are high and rolling, the 
streams pure, and well skirted with timber. Veins of stone coal 
2£ to 3£ feet thick, along the Middle Nodaway, furnish the neigh¬ 
borhood with all that is needed. 

Quincy, located near the centre of the west half of the county, is 
the county seat. Icaria, another village, in and around which is 
settled a thriving colony of French immigrants. 

The line of the Burlington & Missouri River Railroad is to run 
through this county. 

CASS COUNTY 

Was organized in 1858, is in the third tier of counties from the 
southern line of the State, and the second from the Missouri river. 

Its surface is moderately undulating—climate salubrious—soil 
and productiveness good—and its water power ample. It is also 
well supplied with timber and building stone. It is well adapted 
to raising cattle and sheep, perhaps not excelled in the State. 

Prices of improved lands from $8 to $20 per acre; of unim¬ 
proved lands $2 to $10 per acre. Cost of breaking $3,50 to $5 per 
acre. Farmhands receive $1,50 per day; mechanics from $2,50 
to $3,50 per day. Council Bluffs, about 50 miles, and Des Moines, 
about 90 miles from the centre of the county, are both used as 
market towns. 

Lewis, the county seat, is a handsomely located town in the 
western part of the county. 






DESCRIPTION OF IOWA. 


76 

POTTAWATAMIE COUNTY 

Was organized in 1843, lies on the Missouri river, and is the 
western county in the third tier from the southern line of the State. 

This is one of the largest counties in the State, averaging about 
40 miles in length, east and west, and 24 miles in width, con¬ 
taining about 930 square miles. 

From north to south there is one or more streams flowing through 
every township, the principal of which is the West Nodaway 
through the centre of the county. Its soil is a deep, rich, sandy 
loam, very easy to cultivate and very productive. It is not affected 
injuriously by extreme drouths or heavy rains. We have been 
informed that good crops of corn have matured in this county 
without rain sufficient to wet the soil one fourth of an inch during 
the whole season. There aro a number of lakes in the bottoms, in 
which, as well as the streams, are an abundance of excellent fish. 
Upon these streams are numerous mill sites, and they are skirted 
with more or less timber. The lands east of the Missouri bottoms 
for a few miles are rather rough. 

The average price of improved farms is $12,50, and unimproved 
lauds $2 per acre. Breaking costs $3 to $4 per acre, and fencing 
$1,45 per rod for four boards high. Wages of farm hands from 
$1 to $2 per day; of mechanics $3 per day. 

In the county there are flouring mills, wagon and carriage shops, 
boot and shoe makers, leather, harness, gun and crockery-ware 
manufactories, and an iron machine shop. There are needed more 
flouring mills, a woolen factory, and a soap and candle factory. 

Council Bluffs is the county seat, and is the only place of any 
prominence in the county. It is located about three miles from 
the Missouri river, being separated from that river by low bottom 
lands. Immediately opposite Council Blufis is Omaha City, the 
Capital of Nebraska. “An ever flowing stream, oalled Indian 
creek, runs through the town, and upon the high points of the 
adjacent bluff's, the country may be seen for miles around, including 
Nebraska.” The United States Land Office for the “Missouri 
River District,” is located here. Its population by the last State 
Census was 2,062. Within the two years since the census was 
taken it has increased considerably. It will not be long before it 
enjoys a railroad connection with the eastern cities by at least two 
railroads. It is made by law of Congress the eastern terminus of 
the great Pacific Railroad. It has regular communication by 
steamboats with St. Louis, during the season of navigation, and it 
is a great outfitting point for immigrants to the rich mines of 
Colorado, Idaho, and California, for the former of which wagon 
freight trains leave frequently and regularly. In brief, Council 
Bluffs is the most important commercial point in the State, west of 
Dos Moines, and its advantages are such that it will always main¬ 
tain this rank. 


FREMONT COUNTY 

Was organized in 1849, is the extreme southwestern county of 
the State, and lies on the Missouri river. 


FREMONT AND MONTGOMERY COUNTIES. 77 

For farming purposes generally and facilities for raising stock 
of all kinds this county is, perhaps, not excelled in the State. The 
east and west branches of the Nishanabotany river flow through 
its centre from north to south, and southwest in the eastern part of 
the county, which afford, with other and smaller streams, superior 
water power for milling purposes. There are now a good supply 
of flouring and saw mills on those streams. Fair bodies of timber 
skirt all these streams, and there are large bodies of timber imme¬ 
diately on the Missouri river and on the bluff bordering the bottom 
lands about six miles from this river, of excellent hard wood, 
embracing oak, walnut, &c. There is a large and handsome grove 
(Fisher’s) in the oast part of the county, a very large grove 
(Pleasant Grove) near Sydney, in the central part, and one 
(McKissock’s), which commences about five or six miles north of 
its south line and running into the State of Missouri—all of which 
are composed of heavy and good varieties of timber. There are 
large and inexhaustible beds of limestone in the Missouri bluffs, 
and coal in small quantities. 

Improved lands are held at from $10 to $20 per acre; unimprov< d 
at from $1,25 to $10 per acre. Cost of breaking is $3 to $3,50 per 
acre, and fencing from 50 to 60 cents per rod. Farmers now pay 
hands $2 per day; old rates $18 to $25 per month. Mechanics are 
receiving $3 to $5 per day; forine'-ly $25 to $30 per month. 

The principal towns are Sydney, (county seat) Hamburg, Tabor, 
Fremont City, Eureka (Civil Bend), and Manti (Fisher’s Grovel, 
At Sydney there is a very fine court house. 

The county is settled by a very intelligent and enterprising 
class of population, the most prosperous being from the eastern 
States, and it is receiving permanent settlers daily. Persons who 
have traveled through this and the adjoining counties consider this 
section the garden spot of the State. 

MONTGOMERY COUNTY 

Was organized in 1858, and is the second county from the south¬ 
ern and western boundaries of the State. 

The land in this county is mostly high, rolling prairie of very 
good quality. There are some low bottom lands on the East Nishna- 
botany as good as any in the State. Timber generally very scarce, 
but more abundant on the streams. There are good water powerg 
on the streams, some of which are occupied by flouring and saw 
mills. It is well watered and the county is well adapted to stock 
raising. There is a species of red clay in this county, on the West 
Tarkio river, which is used to paint barns, &c. 

The present county seat is Frankfort, in the centre of the county. 
The largest town in the county is Railroad Junction, located 
where the Burlington and Missouri River Railroad will oross the 
Nishnabotany river. 

MILLS COUNTY 

W is organized in 1851, and lies on the Missouri river in the Bec- 
#nd tier of counties from the southern line of the State. 


DESCRIPTION OF IOWA. 


78 

The lands in this county are principally high, rolling prairie ; on 
the streams they are low and level. The bottom lands on the Mis¬ 
souri vary from four to ten miles in width, on which there are some 
of the finest farming lands in the State, and much of it is occupied, 
exhibiting some excellent farms. The county is well timbered, the 
bluffs surrounding the Missouri bottom being covered with fine 
bodies of timber, and also on the Nishnabotany river and Silver 
creek. It is well watered, tolerably well settled, and supplied with 
flouring and saw mills. The Burlington and Missouri ltiver Rail¬ 
road line runs through this county. 

Glenwood, located in the western part of the county, is the county 
seat and a flourishing town. The other towns are Mt. Olive, located 
on a beautiful high prairie, commanding a fine view of the su rround¬ 
ing country, about four miles east of Glenwood, and White Cloud, 
on the Nishnabotany. 


SHELBY COUNTY 

Was organized in 1853, and is the second from the Missouri river, 
in the fourth tier from the southern line of the State. 

It is principally prairies, which are generally high and rolling, 
Bometiines approaching to bluffs near the streams. It is well watered 
and has a fair proportion of good timber in the central and southern 
parts along the streams, but the northern part is destitute of timber, 
excepting in the northwest corner, which contains a large grove, 
which runs into Crawford county, the part in Shelby embracing 
about fifteen square miles of good timber. There is some water 
power on the streams. 

Harlan, situated in the centre of the county, is the county seat. 

AUDUBON COUNTY 

Was organized in 1855, and is the third from the Missouri river, 
in the fourth tier of counties from the southern line of the State. 

This county is generally composed of high, rolling prairie. The 
East Nishnabotany runs through tbe county, which, with its tribu¬ 
taries of never failing spring water, permits us to give it the 
character of a well watered county. All the streams are skirted 
with timber. On the bottoms are two large groves, situated in 
Oakfield township. The county contains excellent land for agri¬ 
cultural and grazing purposes. The eastern part of the county 
lies very high. The line of the M. & M. R. Railroad runs through 
the south part of it. There are indications of coal in the county. 

Exira, the county seat, Hamlin’s Grove, and Oakfield, are the 
principal points. 

RINGGOLD COUNTY 

Was organized in 1855, and is the fourth county from the Missouri 
river in the southern tier. 

The general character of the county is high, rolling prairie, ap¬ 
proaching to hills in many places. Soil good for this description of 
land. In the southwest part of the county, on Platte river, there 


UNION AND CRAWFORD COUNTIES. 


79 


are some superior bottom lands. The county is well watered. Tim¬ 
ber generally very scarce, except on the Platte, where there are some 
very good bodies. Some scrub timber is scattered over the county, 
on the bluffs. 

Mt. Ayr (thecounty seat) is located in the centre of the county on 
a very high bluff, from which the country can be seen for 15 to 20 
miles around. 


UNION COUNTY 

Was organized in 1853, and is the fourth county from the Missouri 
river, in the second tier from the southern line of the State. 

The lands in this county are generally very rough, with some very 
high hills for a prairie country. There is a large district of very 
desirable laud around Highland, about three miles southwest of 
Afton. The county is well watered and tolerably well timbered. 
There are some splendid groves of timber, one covering about a 
township on Platte river, in the southwest part, of good white oak. 
Extensive beds of stone coal have recently been discovered in this 
county. This county is well adapted to stock, sheep especially. 

Afton, near the centre of the county, is the county seat and a 
flourishing town. It has an excellent courthouse, a good hotel and 
a population of about 400. 

CRAWFORD COUNTY 

Was organized in 1855, and is the second from the Missouri 
river in the central tier of counties. 

Along the Boyer river, which runs diagonally through the county 
from northeast to southwest, the lands are di vet sifted in regard to 
quality and location on the bottoms, some loamy and some sandy, 
and not so desirable as on the Maple and Little Sioux rivers. The 
uplands are also diversified, some very broken, with steep hills and 
not easily cultivated. The eastern half of the county is good 
farming land. The west half is more broken, and the lands are 
much less desirable. 

There is a large body of timber in the southwest part of the 
county, being part of the big grove noticed in Shelby county. 
There is a very beautiful grove (Mason's) on the Boyer river, 
beginning a mile or two north of Dennison, and running four or 
five miles up that river; also a very fine grove (Dunham’s), five 
miles east of Dennison, embracing about half a section. There are 
also other groves on Coon creek and other streams emptying into 
the Boyer on the east. There are some good water powers on the 
Boyer, above and below Dennison. 

Dennison, located in the centre of the county, is the county seat. 

MONONA COUNTY 

Was organized in 1854, and is the central county on the Missouri 
river, the western border of the State. 

The land along the west part of the county is generally low, but 
very beautiful and rich. On the Little Sioux and its branches, 


80 


DESCRIPTION OF IOWA. 


above the junction of the Cig Sioux and the Maple rivers, the 
bottom lands are high and dry; below this point and to its mouth 
some of them overflow when the water is high. Along the branches 
of the three “Soldiers,” there are some beautiful bottom lands. 
The channels of these streams are quite deep, and very difficult to 
cross except on bridges. Between these streams the lands are 
rough, broken, and not very desirable. The Missouri, bottom is 
from ten to fifteen miles wide, on which there are considerable 
choice lands. There is a good portion of timber along the streams 
in the west half of the county. 

Ottawa City, located in the west part of the county, is the county 
seat. 

HARRISON COUNTY 

Was organized in 1853, and is the fourth county on the Missouri 
river from the south line of the State. 

The general character of the land is rolling prairie, except the 
Missouri bottoms, which are from two to fifteen miles wide, much 
of which is wet. The bottom lands along the Boyer river are gen¬ 
erally wet—some places sandy and subject to overflows. 

In the southeastern, a portion of the eastern, and in the central, 
parts of the county are some very choice farming lands. Distributed 
over the county are some knolls, approaching to hills, especially in 
the northern part, that will not be among the first lands cultivated. 
The southern half of the county is well settled, well watered, and 
tolerably well timbered. 

Magnolia, a flourishing town near the centre of the county, is the 
county seat. 

PAGE COUNTY 

Was organized in 1851, and is the second from the Missouri river 
in the southern tier of counties. 

The lands in this county are principally rolling prairie. There 
are large bodies of bottom lands on the Nishnabotany, Nodaway, 
and Tarkio rivers, which are mostly dry and good farming lands. 
On the east side of the county there are heavy bodies of timber on 
the streams, principally white oak; on the west side of the county 
there is very little timber, and it is not so well settled as on the 
west side. Around and near Clarinda, on the West Nodaway, 
there is some good building stone and stone coal. The county is 
well watered. 

Clarinda, on the east side of the county, is the county seat. The 
other towns are Hawleysville, in the northeast corner, on the East 
Nodaway, and Amity, in the southwest part. At Amity there is a 
flourishing college, and the graded public schools of Clarinda are 
not excelled in the State. No one will regret a location in this 
favoi'ed county. 


TAYLOR COUNTY 

Was organized in 1851, and is the third county from the Mis¬ 
souri river, in the southern tier. 


TAYLOR AND CARROLL COUNTIES. 


81 


The face of the county is undulating, prairies quite rolling, 
except in the northeast corner, where there is quite a scope of low 
flat land, but the soil is very rich and from two to three feet deep. 
There are four or five streams running parallel to each other from 
north to south through the county. There are beautiful fringes of 
timber all aloug the banks of these streams, and some of the finest 
stone beds in the State are on the banks of some of them. Those 
living on the bottom lands, which are sometimes overflown, are not 
subject to billious complaints, as the streams are rapid and clear. 
These bottom lands consist of a deep black mold and the prairies of 
a loam, sometimes intermingled with sand and clay. The prairies 
are covered with a rich coat of natural grasses, affording splendid 
pasture for cattle and sheep. Besides the timber found along tlie 
streams, beautiful groves are distributed over the county, especially 
in the northern part. The cultivation of fruit is very successful. 
On the Nodaway river, in the northwest part of the county, is found 
gome splendid coal beds, which furnish an ample supply for all that 
section. Unfortunately the streams do not afford water jower suf¬ 
ficient for very large mills, but for timber, stone, &c., there arc f* w 
counties in the State equal to this. Near Bedford, and along the 
East 102 river, there are some splendid limestone quarries and sand 
stone for building purposes. 

The population of this county are principally from Pennsylvania, 
Ohio and Indiana, and are intelligent and industrious. They have 
built good school houses nearly all over the county. 

Bedford, the county seat, is located about four miles south of the 
centre of the county, on the east side of the East One Hundred and 
Two river, and contains about 500 inhabitants. There are several 
other growing towns and villages, among them Platteville, Lexing¬ 
ton, Memory and Gravity City. The road from the State Capital to 
St. Joseph, Mo., runs through the centre of the county. 

CARROLL COUNTY 

Is located in the centre tier of counties north and south, and is 
the third county from the Missouri river. 

This county is principally pvairie of the best character of soil, 
and generally level, with some very rolling lands, especially in the 
southern part. The county is pretty well watered. In the north¬ 
east and southeast part of the county there are some good bodies of 
timber, where some good building stone is also found. The timber 
on the middle and south Coon rivers, which head about the centre of 
the county, is excellent. There is some water power on these streams. 

Carrolton, near the eastern border of the county, is the county 
seat, from which place it is about 60 miles to the nearest railroad 
station, at Boonsboro, in Boone county. In a population of but 300 
in the county, there are five school districts, in all of which there 
are good school houses, which are also used on the Sabbath for re¬ 
ligious purposes. Thero are not over 5000 acres of land under 
cultivation, and there are only about 100,000 acres in the county 
not assessed for taxable purposes, one-half of which probably 
belongs to the United States. 


82 


DESCRIPTION OF IOWA. 


CHAPTER XII. 

AGRICULTURAL REVIEW OF THE STATE. 

VALUB OP REAL AND PERSONAL PROPERTY'. 

In 1850, as per United States Census, the population of the State was 
182.204; value of improved lands $16,657,567; value of town lots with 
improvements $3,367,706, and value of personal property $3,689,275. To 
lta valuation $23,714,638 The value of all kinds of property was a fraction 
over an average of $123 00 to each inhabitant. 

In 1860, the United States Census places the total value of real and per¬ 
sonal property at $247,338,265, exhibiting a rate of increase for the inter 
vening ton years, of 942.97 per cent The average rate per inhabitant is a 
fraction over $366. The assessed value of all kinds of property for that 
year was $167,113,639. The only State which at all approaches Iowa, is 
California, whose rate of increase is 837-98. Texas is next, 592-44. Wis¬ 
consin’s increase is 55>-72. Oregon’s 471-35—Illinois. 457-93, and Arkan¬ 
sas 450-32. These are the only States exhibiting any remarkable increase, 
as the increase of the whole Union is put down at 126-45 per cent. 

The cash value of farms in Iowa, as per U S. Census, in 1850, was 
$16.657,567—in 1860, $118,471,405. In this item Iowa ranks 21st among 
her sister States. 

The value of farming implements and machinery, the U. S. Census gives 
for Iowa, in 1850. $1,172,869, and in 1860, $5,190,042. In this, Iowa ranks 
221 among the States 


IMPROVED AND UNIMPROVED LANDS. 

The following data of improved and unimproved lands is obtained from 
official sources. We have added to the reported improved lands an aver¬ 
age of four acres for those occupied by houses, barns, <fcc For the large 
item3 of u .improved lands reported for 1856 and 1858, we are unable to 
account That the precise number of acres unimproved attached to farms 
might be satisfactorily obtained, this item was embraced in the census 
tables for 1862. The Uuited States census returns must have been based 
upon the same requisition, as the increased number of acres of improved 
lands from 1860 to 1862 agrees so nearly to the facts of the increased tilled 
acreage as ascertained from other sources : 


.7,335,657 

.4,060,253 

4,135,613 


1859, Acresof land improved,. 861,000, unimproved.1,911.382 

1855. “ “ “ “ .2.343,95S, “ ....6,515 479 

1858, “ “ “ “ ...3,469,436, “ ’ 

1860, “ *• “ “ 4,100,000, “ . 

1862, 11 “ “ under cultivation .4,170,496, unimproved at* 

1863, “ “ “ under fence.4,781,886. tached to farms, 

As the whole number of acres in the State, after deducting about 
3,000,000 for rivers, creeks & s , is near as can be ascertained, 33,000.000 
acros. there is ©f uncultivated lands about 30.000.000 acres, or about seven- 
eighths of the whole amount; there are assessed for taxable purposes, 
28,336.345 acres, thus leaving of landsnot entered, .and not subject to taxa¬ 
tion, 6.603,65o acres, about one half of which being taken by or subject to 
rail l ©ad a*d other grants. Of the taxable lands it is very probable that not 
l««s than 15.000.000 acres are owned by non-residents. Most of those 
lands are doubtless held, where they are located very eligibly, for specu 
lation, yet the most of them can be obtained at from $2.50 to $5.00 per 
acre, ei en in the older settled counties, and from five to ten miles from 
raihoads in, oi soon to be in operation. (For this and other information, 
the reader is referred to the following table.) There is perhaps, no State 
in the Union offering greater facilities for settlement and productive farm¬ 
ing, cither on a large or small scale, than does the State of Iowa. Even 







AG11ICULTUKAL STATISTICS. 


88 


with only a little over one-eighth of her land under cultivation, hor an¬ 
nual available products for exportation hare averaged not less than 
$10,000,000 per annum for the past throe or four years. 

AGRICULTURAL STATISTICS. 


Crawford .. 

Dallas. 

Davis.. 

Decatur.... 
Delaware.. 
Des Moines. 
Dickinson . 
Dubuque... 
Emmett.... 
Fayette.... 

Floyd. 

Franklin .. 
Fremont... 
Greene.... 
Grundy.... 
Guthrie.... 
Hamilton. . 
Hancook... 
Hardin.... 
Harrison... 

Honry. 

Howard.... 
Humbolt... 
Ida. 


NAME OF COUNTY. 

Population 

January 1SC8. 

- ——- 

j Whole number 
of Acres.j 

No. of Acres 

under fence.... 

)No. of acres at¬ 
tached to farms 
not under 
fence. 

Adair. 

900 

368640 

5476 

9767 

Adams. 

1638 

276480 

8786 

16689 

Alamakee. 

13465 

403200 

97696 

115172 

Appanoose. 

11866 

322560 

95147 

80913 

Audubon. 

388 

276480 

2456 

3914 

Denton... 

10561 

460800 

86673 

48578 

Blackhawk. 

10014 

368640 

58675 

48832 

Boone . 

4607 

368640 

25410 

31974 

Bremer.. 

5404 

276480 

46499 

38282 

Buchanan. 

8294 

368640 

67203 

50935 



368640 



Butler... 

4142 

276480 

31697 

33476 

Calhoun.. 

170 

368640 

1168 

4132 

Carroll. 

297 

368640 

1907 

4411 

Cass. 

1623 

368640 

11467 

17984 

Cedar. 

13274 

368640 

160783 

48996 

Cerre Gordo. 

1007 

368640 

6106 

10223 

Cherokee...... 

15 

368640 

218 

693 

Chickasaw. 

4397 

322560 

29902 

37661 

Clarke. *.. 

5693 

276480 

38590 

42918 



368640 



l .*. 

21275 

506880 

127297 

124849 

Clinton. 

19818 

428472 

177813 

79214 


456 
5088 
13956 
8373 
11667 
21213 
189 
30839 


1 2739 
4018 
1-448 
4778 
1416 
1024 
3207 
1602 
240 
5376 
3663 
16780 
3382 
394 


368640 

368640 

322560 

345600 

368640 

264960 

276480 

385920 

276480 

460800 

322560 

388640 

345600 

368640 

322560 

368640 

368640 

368640 

368640 

4263-10 

276480 

322560 

276480 

276480 


3127 
37545 
105259 
50421 
11368 L 
128329 
619 
156908 


91092 

28727 

9489 

28971 

8292 

11402 

18169 

11550 

1365 

38621 

22474 

99839 

26268 

2758 


7732 
57646 
116433 
63619 
60076 
84867 
1418 
108862 


» c a; 

3 0 O 
s» Si * 

S S3, 

r» O 
co jj* 

. w 

n «“► " 

p. s» 2 
• * 2 


98500 
43220 
1 2593 
59522 
15527 
10209 
23722 
15068 
2231 
36594 
49774 
43769 
37911 
4256 


361578 

245874 

395591 

317436 

108117 

448715 

347351 

362888 

265864 

354212 

42120 

336601 

297908 

218280 

344142 

360350 

357470 

53069 

315553 

269107 

110625 

491045 

428472 

243287 

350012 

338686 

337541 

362333 

252420 

*380623 


460200 

310700 

353130 

292100 

312162 

313115 

341270 

325430 

343491 

315320 

334813 

272010 

293904 

148011 

6160 







































































































84 


DESCRIPTION OF IOWA, 


AGRICULTURAL STATIST 108—Cohtiwprd. 


NAME OP COUNTY. 

‘-<*3 
£ © 

C c 

to Z. 

",t s 
^ ££ 

§ 

! 

Whole number 

of Acres. 

No. of Acres 

under fence.... 

No. of acres at¬ 
tached to farms 
not under 
fence. 

4 ' 

S =r o 

co *. 

|ff« 

; H3 


8544 

19158 

10627 

14649 

17184 

13495 

13412 

365 

28523 

18700 

10673 

6257 

368640 

403200 

460800 

276480 

391680 

368640 

368640 

645120 

340000 

460800 

253440 

276480 

414720 

368640 

368640 

368640 

368640 

276480 

322560 

529920 

276480 

276480 

300451 

368640 

276480 

368640 

368640 

535680 

368640 

368640 

604800 

368640 

345600 

9AQf! 4 f\ 

60959 

151658 

74731 

102013 

134962 

127487 

92418 

2190 

142113 

141928 

86478 

36535 

58257 

132775 

65447 

88626 

67016 

92437 

68629 

5751 

73473 

89771 

38648 

53668 

I 362668 
! 406921 

437491 
244276 
388912 
361573 
367872 
198349 
322907 
449175 
245254 
263717 

.Tne.ksnn ... 

.T fl.K nor . . 

.Tefrerson.. 

.Tnhnsnn .................. 

•Ton os..................... 

74 enk 11 k.... 

Tfnssnfch .................. 

TjRB... ......... ........... 

Linn . 

Louisa. . . 

Ln a as... 

Lyon.. 

M ad ison. 

7934 

16249 

17318 

7450 

6287 

3375 

931 

9322 

1218 

16989 

47983 

100576 

91230 

44888 

25037 

22692 

5632 

54174 

7396 

106014 

98214 

79979 

74028 

38757 

43346 

25495 

13404 

68284 

14581 

68444 

359662 
347940 
347529 
324201 
237426 
295446 
249912 
266014 
172530 
300451 

Mahaska. 

Marion........... . 

Marshall . 

Mill s ... 

Mi tchell . 

Monona . 

Monroe . 

Montgomery . 

Muscatine . 

O’Brien . 

Osceola . 





Page . 

4622 

142 

93 

122 

12956 

4737 

6370 

3039 

934. 

27291 

510 

600 

zoi 

Q7 A 1 7 

323245 

Palo Alto . 

o / 41 / 

1713 

90 9 

Plymouth . 

48594 

244933 

349458 

475107 

371362 

336593 

11SROt 

Pocahontas .. 

2 if 2 

1 71 £ 

Polk. . 

O L I 

1 I 10 

£ KOOQ 

Pottawntnmie. 

ODD / *1 

1 799 4 

OOUUo 

9A1 79 

Poweshiek. 

J l 0^4 

A Am 4 

20 1/2 
971 99 

Ringgold. 

9A994 

O/l 02 
97 AAQ 

Sac. 

1 f> a A 

O / 40 o 

Scott. 

9A397 

9Q1 AAA 

1041/ 

1 7 K A a o 

ot)2 

97AO A 

11JUOJ 

9Q1109 

Sioux. 


1uuu 
483840 

4 n 

1/0402 

0 /Vo 4 

«o iiyo 

173390 

IQifim 

Shelby. 

828 

4368 

7027 

3757 

9490 

30 4 4 

AAA 1 

Story. 

9AQ A 4 A 

0y44 

90 A79 

vuv l 

j o^oiu 
3.1 A7 1 A 

Tama. 

A Aaqaa 

2o0 / o 

*;99A 3 

41002 

iy 

A,KOf\f%A 

Taylor. 

3AQA fA 

OooDo 

9 I AA7 

04000 

9T a 7rr 

323372 

9Rn*i99 

Union. 

97A f QA 

1 9*7 A Q 

0(4// 

9A9QO 

Van Buren. 

4lT«V 

15839 

16729 

10932 

15003 

rt*>99 

L i O-iOU 
399SAA 

J 2/ 4o 

1AAA7Q 

2UOoo 

A ^1 9 A 

iivUOOu 

304677 

210503 

360337 

356944 

39 U.7n 

Wapello. 

97AlftA 

IUV/0 4 O 
m 7QA 

yoi 20 

Warren. 

9AQA.4A 

VfJ ioO 
cio Jinn 

oyyofj 

W ashington. 

368640 

399SAA 

OVJOUV 

1911 AA 

t Ooyy 

70Kaa 

TXT 6 .* 

W a y n e. t 

1211UV 

A A QQ 9 

i oOUU 

W ebstor. 


A AAQAA 

44000 

1 90 O 9 

4oyy7 

J.A9AQQ 

Winnebago. T 

Winnosheik. 

204 

15421 

11 no 

4DUOUU 

276480 

A AAQAA 

12ooo 

664 

1 99 4 AO 

20OO4 

1889 

1 9KA oo 

289814 

436782 

‘y.uto.Qi 

W oodbnry. 

A^OOAa 

122442 

1 1 9A 

100t)2o 

Worth..... 

on a 

97A IQA 

117y 

4/ 95 
12509 
10137 

99.4 AA 4 

Wright. 

oy O 

AO 9 

A / OtOlf 

QAQA 4 n j 

4 944 

^o40V4 

3 4 9 A •" o 


OV^ j 

OOooiu j 

oo90 





























































































AG RIC U LT U K A L ST AT 1ST! US. 


85 


MANUFACTURING, ,ko. 

The following table exhibits the statistics of manufacturing in this State 
and the U. S. compared, taken from the U S. Census of 1850 and 1800. It 
is to bo very much regrotted that no facts ef the kind hare been gathered 
at any time by our State : 


KINDS OF MANUFACTORIES. 




Agricultural Implements... 

Steam Engines and Machinery. 

Iron Founding.. 

Printing books, jobs aud newspapers 

Coal, 72, r >00 bushels... 

Sawed and planed lumber. 

Flour and Meal... 

Sp’ts liquors, 13 e-tablishments in 1800... 
Malt liquors, 39 establishments in I860.. 
Woolen goods,fu'.ll'igand mixed goodsin- 
clu ling carding, 23 est&blshm'tsin 1860 

Leather. . 

Boots and 3'ioes, 11S estahlishm'ts in 1S60 

Furnitu- e, 6 ) establishments in I860. 

Illuminating gas, 4 establishments in i860 
Soap and candles, 7 estahlishm’ts in 1860 


Rnnk of 
Iowa atn’g 
the StHes 

Value of Value of 
Products Pro iucts 
1859. | I860. 

22d 

17,900 

112.590 

20th 

6,200 

186,720 

23.1 

8,890 

187,485 

18th 

5,450 

140,213 

6,500 

2,378,529 

Uth 

470,760 

llth 

2,019,448 

6,950,949 

16th 


81,880 

13th 


221,495 

•••••• • •■••••*•• 

. ••••••••» 

•••.,« . 

231 

112,454 

167,960 

28th 

24,550 

81,760 

21st 

56 533 

325.296 

ISth 

51,305 

157,491 

20th 

. 

55,900 

lfth 

. 

118,470 


Tot. ral. In 
the Union. 
1880. 


17,802,514 

47,118,550 

28,546,056 

39,678,043 

19,365,705 

95,912,286 

223,144,369 

24,253,176 

18,001,135 

68*866’,968 
03,090.751 
89,549,900 
22,701,304 
11.224 380 
16,960,542 


The whole number of manufacturing establishments in the State, on 
June 1, 1850. producing over $500, was 1790; in the U. S., 128,300, Iowa 
ranking 20th Of capital invested in manufactories, Iowa had in real 
estate to the value of $7,500,000 ; in the United States, $1,050,000,000, 
Iowa ranking 24th. Of rarv material Iowa had, includingfuel, $8,500,000; 
the United States, $1,012,000,000, Iowa ranking 22. Of the average num¬ 
ber of hands employed, Iowa had 6,587 ; the United States 1,386,000, Iowa 
ranking 26th. Of the valueof annual products Iowa had $14,900,000 ; the 
United States $1,900,000,000, Iowa ranking22d. 

Ten millions of dollars can safely and profitably be invested in this State 
in needed manufactories to supply the wants of her people. One or two 
Woolen and Fulling and Carding mills can find immediate employment in 
every county in the State of ten thousand inhabitants, because we have 
not enough now to make the yarn required for our woolen socks, making no 
allowance for that needed for domestic cloths for farmers’ use. Must we 
send the great bulk of the wool from our 1,500,000 sheep to Eastern manu¬ 
factories to make into cloths for the very families who raise it? Hore is in 
this one item alone an opportunity for profitable investment which casts far 
into tho shade the best paying railroad stock in tho Union. All kinds of 
machinery for working up flax and it« products—loatherand its products— 
for making agricultural implements— a paper mill here and there to con¬ 
sume our rags—3oap and candle manufactories—furniture manufactories— 
flouring mills, Ac., Ac., are needed and would pay well for both producer 
and consumer. 

Our facilities for manufacturing establishments to obtain cheap power is 
not oxcellod by any northwestern State On every one of our principal 
streams of water from throe to five good water powor sites can be found in 
every county through which they run; and in nearly one half of the 
s mthern portion of the State, and also of the cential, good coal fuel is af¬ 
forded at reasonable cost. Those who embr;ce these advantages first will 
reap the cream @f the harvest. It is now open to all. 


































86 


DESCRIPTION OF IOWA 


WHEAT AND CORE. 

Of the agricultural productions of tho State, we hare only room for the 
following from the Stato census for 1862. which are given by counties, that 
the reader may judge for himself of the relative yield of each county. The 
other productions of the soil aro nearly in the same proportion 


OOUNTIE3. 


WBBA.T 


CORS. 


WHBAT. 

cos 

> 

Average 

> 

-3 ^ 



Average 

>■ 


Product 




O 

Product 

0 

<3 

GO 

OO 

per acre. 

60 

►d 


COUNTIES. 

2 

00 

per acre. 

n 

2 

0 

3 

p 

3 

5* 

OQ 

-r._ 

p - 

a 

Z 

O rH 

• n 

: 0 
: p» 


© 

* 

D 

3 

S' 

CD 

XJ 

-1 

ns 

g 

• 

S' 

3 

0 . 

• p 


• 

S’ 

cT 

g 

: 


cp 

- 

• 0 

• rt- 


1 


Oq 

Pm 


o, h* 

* < 

O 'VJ 

** 3 

« ib 
-! 

o 'V 

-i -i 

a © 


Adair. 

Adams. 

Allamakee. 
Appanoose. 
Audnbon... 

Benton. 

Blackllawk 

Boone. 

Bremer.... 
Buchanan.. 
BnenaVitta 

BuHer. . 

Calhoun.... 

Carroll. 

0*83 . 

Ced ir. 

Cer. Gordo 
Cherokee... 
Chi kasaw. 

Clarke. 

Clay. 

Clayton.... 

Clinton. 

Crawford... 

Dallas,. 

Davis,. 

Decatur ... 
Delaware... 
Des Moines 
Dickinson.. 
Dubuque ... 
Emmett.... 
Fayette.. 

Floyd. 

Franklin... 
Fremont... 

Greene. 

Grundy.. . 

Guthrie. 

Hamilton.. 
ancock.... 

Hardin.. 

Harrison.. 
Henry. 
Howard.... 
H imbolt... 
jowa. 


859 
1190 
33940 
2371 
610 
26519 
22541 
3440 
13991 
20541 

9953 

231 

221 

2046 
5S40S 

2047 
12 

8100 

4544 

54977 

67451 

449 

6454 

3151 

2749 

33173 

21393 

46 

428S9 


13.33 
14,00| 
18 571 
10,14 

9.74 

48,41 

14,00 

21,32 

24,90 

15,66 


9.60 

14.71 


9,83 

16,38 

15,81 

14.62 


17,70 
13,17 
10,48 
15,12 
15,8S 


10,0O 
6,61 
8,09 
1,22 
7,68 
8,50 
9,6I| 
8,66 

11,60 

9,07 

IS, 56 

10.69 
7,65 
8,60 
3,43 

12 81 
4,01 

12,63 

4.69 j 


2952 33,42 
5295 85,52 
20304'*6,32 
43935 42,41: 

942 35,56 
2-1601,36,731 
15708 35.81 
12*90 38,10 
8761 81 (5 
13195 83,79 


27902 
8871 
3937 
6319 
944 
395 4 
3385 
1*99 
271 
9595 
4670 
16233 
9S44 
242 
17421 


7,23 

22,63 
22,S5 

20 89 
21,25 
25,50 
14,33 


9.81 

7,15 

11,46 

8,11 

1,05 

3,47 

9,05 

4,76 

6,84 

4,71 


21,21 

16,96 

16,90 

21^29 


9,94 
15,4.9 
13,53 
11,02 
7.61 
11.08 
7,76 
9,23 
18,69 
13,29 
I 9,97 
| 4,30 
12,05 
I 8,03 
7,52 


7045 
896 
964 
4034 
42323 
I 1242 
! 57 

j 5051 
22056 

28199 

35439 

1214 

19948 

49491 

29151 

29136 

47905 

112 

84941 


32,98 
37,45 
30,60 
40,36 
36,09 
187,42 
121,05 
137,54 
38,66 

I . 

,34,27 
32,64 
85,84 
36,94 
'36 21 
35,78 
25,09 
40,04 
16.10 
33.21 

39, ic 
39.49 
31 13 
16225,42 63 
4666 31.06 
2483140 06 
9217 40,42 
7303.12,28 
255:44 17 
10724.41 SO 
15404'27,19 
5 4578126,01 
3672 30,36 
655 ' 26,80 
23756 31,47 


16088 

5634 

2567 


Jackson . 

•Tat per. 

Jefferson... 
Johnson 

Jones. 

Keokuk. .. 
Kossuth. 

Bee .....M*,... 

Linn. 

Louisa. 

Lucas. 

Madison 
Mahaska .... 
M arion . ... 
VI arshall.... 

Mills. 

Mitchell. 

Monona ... 

Monroe. 

Montgomery 

Muscatine... 

Page. 

I’alo Alto... 
Ptyinouth ... 
Pocahontas . 

Polk. 

Pottaw’amie 

Powesheik... 

Ringgold. 

Sac. 

Scott.......... 

Shelby. 

Story. 

Tama. 

Taylor. 

Union . 

Van Buren. 
Wapello. 

Warren. 

Washington. 

Wayne. 

Webstar. 

'Winnebago.. 
Winneshelk. 
Woodbury. 

Worth. 

Wright. 


7,18 2,40 
14 10 10,75 


13,56 
10,64 
8 ]5 
14,58 


433J 6 

18878 
12575 
29431 
36041 
17015 
244 

21636 16 52 
34198 11,65 
19284 16,71 
8986 7,99 
8491| 9,96 
15715 15,38 
14906 18,98 
13212118,96 18,’ 69 
8473 24,45 10,79 


2,16 
4.72 
4,59 
4.87 
12,00 
4,30 
4,80 
4 25 
4 43 
5,29 
6,02 
8,22 


7430 
976 
5765 11,81 
1316 


22,50 13,01 

.... 10,20 


86794 83,84 
85774 44,28 
45971 80 29 


9,08 

19,17 


38926 
5242 
80 
863 
89 

9053 20 61 
5542: 2,19 
134C7,18.17 
2119,14,87 
1811 .... 
69050,14,78 

1056 . 

5142 . 

15207 16,27 


8892 

17S7 

12982 

7910 

9180 

29693 

2241 


16,10 

15.46 

16.46 
13,71j 
18,00, 
15.16 

7,15 
1939'12,00 
1371 .... 


46592 

531 

1128 

1109 


11,07 


42770 37,37 
34354 38,33 
49228 41,79 
522 87.01 
60694 86,06 
41888 36.29 
41881 33,01 
;1630 40,92 
27781|88,86 
53040 89,32 
48619 47,28 
20250,46,06 
11309,44,13 
8661 86,70 
2546188,88 
3,94 32023 37,05 
7,79| 3714 40,82 
86503 80,10 
16485 88,26 
245 84,22 
169 27,01 
252 2*,15 
23044 48.10 
7718 38,37 
20317 3,3.62 
11401 80,57 
315 82,42 
33629 41,24 
2227 39,92 
11782 83,50 
15726 89.46 
13067 81,67 
7648 89,96 
1,25 44884 85,01 
2,16 46561 41,08 
7.96 35970.86,38 
4,93 48644 30,07 
2,40 26995[35,55 
n ™ 4701;36,28 
107 34,90 
19098|85 07 
945'20.67 
794 37,74 
1115 83,78 


4,26 
S,52 
11,88 
11 09 
12,74 
8,94 
11,88 
7,03 
4,68 
8,55 
7,14 
7,19 
7,59 
12,25 
8.63 
5,78 


10,60 

14.83 

12,50 

6,87 

13,69 

10,05 


cou!!?i r eV WOre n ° retUFnS fr ° m IdA ’ L7 ° n ’ °‘ Brien > Osceola and Sioux 
an T im p a ortint e fact inter P ° r aCr6 *** Cl ° Ubl ° thatof 3 P rin S wheat- 


























































































































AGRICULTURAL STATISTICS. 


87 


OATS—RTB—BARLKT. 

Of Oats the yield in the State for 1862 was 7,532 050 bushels; of Ryo 
474,675 bushels; of Barley 385,067 bushels. Rye iscultivated principally 
as a forage crop, very little being used for breadstuffs. Barley is culti¬ 
vated principally for brewing purposes, but not of sufficient oxtent to 
supply the home demand. 

FLAX, FLAXSBRD AX D LINSEED OIL. 

In 1862 Iowa produced 154,918 lbs. of Flax, 35.163 bushels of Flaxseed, 
and 22 768 gallons of Linseed Oil. Since 1859 Iowa has increased her 
productions of flaxseed products about sixfold. If the balauce of the 
Union has done as well, and they should all continue to increase in the 
same ratio, it will not be many years before we can be independent of 
foreign countries. If capitalists would turn their capital into good paying 
channels, Iowa presents inducements for the investment of a few hundred 
thousand dollars in the erection of linseed oil mills and machinery for 
preparing the fibre for market. 

BUTTER AVD CHEESE. 

Of Butter there was reported to be ma le, as per State Census for 1862, 
13,675.500 lbs—and of Cheese 902,70L lbs. 

Taking Butter and Cheese together. Iowa produced in 1860 65.91 
pounds per cow. and Illinois 56.18 pounds, leading Illinois nearly ten 
pounds per head, and equal within a fraction of Illinois and Wisconsin 
together, her neighboring sister States. We cannot boast of this produc¬ 
tion, as it could and should be doubled, as we have an abundance of the 
best grass feed for dairy purposes to be had for the mere cost of gathering, 
not to exceed generally oyer one dollar per ton, for winter use and for 
summer feeding without any cost. We need better milking stock and more 
experienced and skillful hands, and must have them before we can expeetto 
compete successfully with the Eastern States, either ift quantity or quality. 
We have yet to learn that our native grasses are not equal to the best 
cultivated grasses in the Eastern States for dairy purposes. No more 
profitable branch of industry is presented to the skillful dairyman than 
the production of butter and cheese, either for home or foreign consump¬ 
tion. The average cost of making a pound of cheese and butter In this 
State, as compared with that of New York and Ohio, or the New England 
States, is at least 25 per cent. less. 

SORGO AND UTPIIEE. 

This crop yielded in 1852, 3.012,396 gallons of Syrup. No State is more 
successful in producing good yields and a superior quality of this class of 
sweetening than Iowa, and it is as sure as acrop of corn. As per the United 
States Census, Iowa produced in 1859 nearly one-third of the whole Sorgo 
molasses crop in the Union. Sugar has boon male from it to some extent 
in the State. 

GRAPES AND WINES. 

In 1819 Iowa is returned by the U. S. Census to have produced 420 
gallons of wine, and in 1859, 3.706 gallons. These embraced, it is very 
probable, everything made called wine, and much of it from the wild 
grape. The State Census of 1863 gives the number of gallons made from 
the cultivated grape only, in 1862, as 13,163 gallons, of which there were 
made in Des Moines county, 4,457; in Leo county, 2.882 ; and in Dubuque 
county 1.224 gallons, being near two-thirds of the whole. From the 
number and extent of vineyards which only came into bearing during the 
past vear, the yield of 1863 must have been considerably more than in 
1862. . . 


DESCRIPTION OF IOWA. 


88 

Of grapes, the number of pounds reported as grown in 1882, was 294,755, 
which was doubtless doubled in 1863. 

drape culture in Iowa is an experiment no longer, there being many 
of the best varieties which withstand our low temperature in winter very 
well, especially the Concord , for which it is claimed no winter protection 
is necessary. There is scarcely a section of our State where the wild grape 
fails to produce abundantly every year, and especially is this the case on 
the sandy bottoms of the Missouri and Des Moines rivers, from which 
some very nice wines have been made for domestic use and of sufficient 
purity to bo a valuablo auxiliary to the wines used as medicine. 

HIVES OP BEES AND TIIEIR PRODUCTS 

The State Census for 1862, report for that year 84,731 hives of Bees, of 
Honey produced 1,052,685 lbs., and Beeswax made 40,762 lbs. 

This interesting branch of husbandry is progressing with the increase of 

F opulation, and presents a much higher average per inhabitant than 
llinois or Wisconsin in 1859. Whether our climate and food is more 
favorable, or that our farmers give Bee-culture more attention, we are not 
advised; probably both have tlieir influence. It i3 a branch so remunera¬ 
tive that we are astonished greater attention is not given to it. The 
average product of honey per hive in Iowa, in 1862, was nearly 13 pounds. 

ORCHARD PRODUCTS 

The value of the orchard products in the State, taken from official sources, 
was, in 1849, $8,431—in 1858, $118,306—in 1859, $131,234. For 1862, the 
value of orchard products is not given, but as the number of trees bearing 
fruit was 503.9 13, it is safe to estimate that the average product was not 
less than one dollar per tree, making the very pleasant total of $503,943, 
being an increase of $372,709 within three years. Considering the general 
attention which has been given to fruit growing within that period, this 
showing cannot be considered too extravagant, as this attention produced 
more care and better cultivation of the trees. The general success which 
has been attainod for several years past in raising fruit in this State has 
established the fact that Iowa can be made a groat fruit producing Stato. 
There is not a Stato in the Union, or perhaps any portion of the world, 
that c^n produce an apple of greater perfection, in every way, than has 
been grown in Iowa. This claim has been proven in many instances, and 
is admitted by intelligent, unprejudiced fruit growers everywhere. Our 
people are convinced of this fact and show it by their acts, as they had, 
bosides the bearing fruit trees in 1863, 1,833.651 in the orchards not 
bearing. With those that may reasonably be expected to have borne fruit 
in 1862, and the increased product of the older trees, tho orchard crop of 
1853 must have been worth not less than $750,000. For 1865, if we have 
as favorable a season, the orchard products may reasonably be estimated 
at $1,500,000. It will not bo very long beforo Iowa will have enough for 
home consumption, and some for exportation. The value of Iowa’s 
orchard products in 1859. was more than either Wisconsin, Texas, Rhode 
Island, Minnesota, Louisiana, Kansas. Florida, Delaware, and Arkansas, 
and more than one-fourth the gross value in those States. 

TIMBER AND HEDGING. 

For the first time in tho history of our State we have, by the last State 
census, the number of acres devoted to the growth of artificial timber, and 
the number of rolsof hedging now in use. The former doubtless embraces 
all that has been planted in the State and now matured and maturing: 


Number of acres planted for timber.... 8,360 

rods of hedging......306,728 




A G KI CULT U It A L ST AT l STICS- 



The greater portion of the timber very probably is the locust and 
ootton wood, next black walnut, all of which grow very rapidly in our 
State. Considerable attention has been given for a few years past to 
sotting out timber lots in our prairie counties, and it will bo a matter of 
considerable interest hereafter to note the progress of this important 
feature in our productions. 

Of hedging the same may be said. The vory general failure some years 
past to make a good living hedge of the osage orange deterred many from 
growing it; but as its nature and culture is now better understood, and 
very successful, we may safely suppose that our hedging is principally 
composed of the osage orange. The hawthorn also has been considerably 
used and has proved quite successful. It will not be many years before 
we will see a mile of hedging for evory rod now standing. 


OTHER LEADING PRODUCTIONS IN 1862. 


All kinds of Hay 

Grass Seeds,. 

Irish Potatoes ... 
Sweet Potatoes.. 

Hops,. 

Tobacco,. 


1,033,553 tons. 

55,173 bushels, 
2,262,918 “ 

37,498 “ 

41,738 lbs. 

517,194 “ 


Of Hay the average yield per acre, of the cultivated grasses, for the 
State, was a fraotion over one and a half tons. 


MARKET GARDENS. 

Here is another item of considerable aggregate importance, which has 
not entered into the returns of our last State Census. In 1849 the value 
of market garden products in the State was $18,848, and in 1859 their 
value was $141,549. Their ¥alue in 1862 could not have been less than 
$190,000. 

MAPLE SUGAR AND MOLASSES. 

We have no other returns of the product of maple sugar and molasses 
than is given in the United States Census of 1850 and 1860. In the former 
ye ar Iowa exhibits of molasses 3,162 gallons, and 78,407 pounds of sugar; 
m the latter year 97,751 gallons of molasses, and 248,951 pounds of sugar. 
Eighteen of the States of the Union, as per U. S. Census of 1860, produced 
in the same year smaller quantities of sugar, Illinois among the number, 
and twenty-three States a less quantity of molasses. This tells well for a 
State classed among the prairie States. Since the high prices for sugar 
wo have, no doubt, added not less than 50 per oent. to the above aggre¬ 
gate, and it is to be regretted that the last State Census did not include 
these items. 

ONIONS- 

Wo have no returns of the onion orops from any part of the State, as 
it was not embraced in the requisition ; but the assessor for Scott county, 
the only oounty where especial attention is given to this crop, makes an 
outside report of twenty-five acres in 1862, and a yield of 5,918 bushels, 
which is an average of 236 bushels per acre. Five hundred bushels per 
acre is not considered an extraordinary crop in Scott county, in an ordinary 
favorable season, and we have heard of a yield there of over 800 bushels 
per acre. A German farmor thore says ho can make money raising onions 
at ten cents a bushel. It is a pity more attention is not paid to the raising 
of this valuable vegetable. The average price of onions in the interior of 
Iowa, for five years past, has been not less than 75 cents a bushel, some¬ 
times selling for more than double this price, as has been the case for the 
past two Seasons, over the greatest portion of Iowa. 








90 


DESCRIPTION OF IOWA. 


811K BP. 

The great success which has attended the production of wool in Iowa, 
has induced our farmers, in every county in the State, to increase their 
flocks, and those who had none to invest all their surplus means in this 
profitable branch of husbandry. In 1860 there were only 258.228 sheep in 


the State : 

In the winter of 1863, there were.. 599,938 

Increase on this number at only 25 per cent. 150,000 

Importations in 1863, estimated at least. 150,000 


For shearing in the spring of 1864... 899,938 

Increase on this number for 1864, 25 per cent. 224,984 

Importations estimated at. 350,000 


For shearing in the spring of 1865. 1,474,922 


Exhibiting an increase in two years of. 874.984 


With all this increase there has been great attention given to the intro¬ 
duction of superior families, and the improvement of the old flocks by 
judicious breeding. The largest proportion of our sheep are the Spanish 
Merino, from half to three quarter blood. The average clip of wool per 
head, in 1862, was a little over ?>j pounds. The clip for the spring of 
1865 will uot average less than four pounds per head, which will produce 
the aggregate amount of 5.899.688 pounds, which at 75 cents per pound 
will be worth $4,424,676. In 1870 Iowa will contain not less than 5,000,000 
sheep, which will probably equal any State in the Union at that time. 
Our need of woolen mills is pressing now, what will it not be then ? 

It is now a settled fact, beyond all contradiction, that wool growing in 
Iowa can be conducted as successfully as in any of the States of the Union, 
and is a good paying business at 25 cents a pound. The price of wool for 
the past three years in this State has averaged from 60 to 70 cents per 
pound, with very little prospect of muoh decrease on this for some years to 
come. 


HORSES—MULES AND ASSES—CATTLE—SWINE. 

In January 1863, as per State Census, there were of 


Horses. 275,697 

Mules and Asses. 12,082 

Milch Cows. 292,025 


Working Oxen. 56,596 

Other Cattle. 548,626 

Swine. 1,748,865 


In all the above items, except working oxen, our State has advanced vejy 
rapidly. Of horses it has been over 14 per cent, annually between 1860 
and 1863; of asses and mules for the same period is over 25 per cent, annu¬ 
ally ; of milch cows over 14 per cent, annually ; and of swine 25 per cent, 
annually. 

The average in 1860 of /logs per inhabitant in Iowa is exactly equal to 
the average per inhabitant in the three States of Ohio, Indiana and II1 i 
nois, being 1.36. Tho average in the same States in 1860 per inhabitant for 
cattle, other than cows and work oxen, is as follows: Ohio, 0.34; Indiana, 
0.48; Illinois, 0.51. The average of Iowa is 0.43, being a small fraction 
over the average of these three States together. 

The assessed value of live stock in January 1863 was $24,664,840,—tho 
true value was doubtless $30,000,000. The aggregate value of hogs sold for 
1862 was $8,138,039 ; of cattle $3,910,347. Of this amount it is probable 
that not lees than $8,000,000 worth of cattle and swine were exported. 




















STATE INSTITUTIONS. 


91 


CHAPTER XIII. 

STATE OFFICERS, COURTS, &c. 


SALARY. 

William M. Stone, Governor. §1,500 

R. G.Orwig, Private secretary.. 1,000 

George J. North, Military Sec’y. 750 

K. W. Eastman. Lt. Governor, 

aa.l President of the Senate.per diem. 
James Wright, Sec’y of State... 1,300 

EM. Wright, Deputy,. 760 

J. A. Elliott, SUte Auditor. 1,800 

S. A. Ayres, Deputy. 750 

Wm. H. Holmes, State Treasurer 1,800 

O. P. Holmes, Deputy.. 750 

I. L. Allen, Attorney General.. 1,000 


SALARY. 

JosiahA. Harvey, Register Land 

Office. $1,300 

D. E. Jones, Deputy. 750 

Oran Favill-, Sup. Pub. Ins. 1,800 

L. Coulter, Clerk to Sup’t and 

State Librarian . T50 

P. W. Palmer, State Printer.... 

V. M. Mills, State Binder. 

N. B. Baker, Adj’t A Com. Gen’l 2,000 

Francis H. Impey, Assistant. 1,000 

Jacob Butler, Speaker House of 

Representatives.per diem 


SENATORS AND REPRESENTATIVES IN CONGRESS. 

James Harlau, Senator, Henry County. Term expires 1867. 

James W. Grimes, Senator, of Des M ines County. Term expires 1871. 


REPRESENTATIVES. 


1st District: —James F. Wilson, Jefferson County. 
2d “ Hiram Price, Scott “ 

3d “ Wm B. Allison, Dubuque “ 

4th “ J. B. Grinnell, Powesheik “ 

5th “ J. A. Kas^on, Polk “ 

6th *' A. W. Hubbard, Woodbury “ 


Term exjlres in 1867. 

“ “ 1 Sfi7 


44 

( t 

1867. 

< c 

4 4 

1867. 

(( 

ii 

1867. 

i 4 

44 

1867. 

tc 

( 4 

1867. 


The elections for members of Congress are held in the even years 
at the same time the State Officers are elected. 


The Governor, Lieutenant Governor and Superinlendent of Public 
Instruction are elected by the people for two years, their election 
taking place the odd years and their term commencing in the suc¬ 
ceeding January. The Secretary of State, Auditor of State, Treas¬ 
urer, Attorney General and Register of the State Land Office are 
also elected for two years, in the alternate or even years, and their 
term commences on the first Monday in January ensuing. 

The sessions of the Legislature are biennial, and commence on the 
second Monday of January in each even year. The members of the 
Senate, 46 in number, are elected for four years, at the same time 
with the Governor, one half being elected every two years. The 
Representatives, 93 in number, are elected at the same time, for two 
years. The general election is held on the 2d Tuesday of October, 
except in the year when the Presidential election takes place, when 
it is held on the 2d Tuesday of November. 


STATE COURTS. 

The judicial power of the State of Iowa is vested in a Supreme 
Court, District Courts, and such other Courts, inferior to the 
Supreme Court, as the Legislature may establish. In cases in 
chancery the Supreme Court has appellate jurisdiction only; it 
constitutes a court, only for the correction of errors at law, and 
has power to issue all writs and processes necessary to secure 
justice to all parties and exercise a supervisory control over all 
inferior tribunals. The Court consists of four Judges, chosen by 

















92 


DESCRIPTION OF IOWA. 


the qualified electors of the State, and they hold their offices for 
six years, one judge retiring every second year, unless re-elected. 
The Judge having the shortest term to serve is Chief Justice. 
Four terms of the Court are held annually; two of them at Daven¬ 
port, on the second Mondays in April and October, and two at 
Des Moines, on the first Monday in June and December. 

For District purposes the State is divided into twelve districts, 
in eacli of which there is a Court having both common law and 
equity powers, and jurisdiction in all civil and criminal matters 
arising in the district. The Judge of each of the District 
Courts is elected by the qualified electors of the district, and holds 
his office for four years; and at the same election a District 
Attorney is chosen for the same term. 

JUDGES AND OFFICERS OF THE SUPREME COURT OF IOWA. 

• « TERM EXPIRB8. 8ALARY. 


George G. Wright, of Keosauqua, Chief Justice,.Jt»n. 1866. $2,000 

Ralph P. Lowe, of Ke kuk, Associate,.. “ 1868. 2,000 

John F Dillon, of Davenp >rt, “ “ 1870. 1,800 

Chester C. Cole, of Des M.Jnes, “ “ 1S72. 1,800 

Lewis Kinsey, of Des Moines, Clerk,..Fees. 

Thomas F. Withrow, of Des Moines, Reporter,.Copy right. 


JUDGES AND OFFICERS OF DISTRICT COURTS. 


8ALART. 


1st District—F rancis Springer, Judge, Wapello,... $1,300 

Joshua Tracy, Attorney, Burlington, fees and. 600 

2d District—!I H. Trimhle, Judge, Bloomfield. 1,800 

Amos Harris, Attorney, Centreville, fees and. 600 

3d District—J. G Day, Judge, Sydney,... 1,300 

Charles E. Millard, Attorney, Glenwood, fees and.... 600 

4th District—I saac Pendleton, Judge, Sioux City,.... 1,800 

Henry Ford, Attorney, Magnolia, fees ami. 600 

5th District—J. H. Gray, Judge, Des Moines,... . 1,300 

Hugh W. Maxwell, Attorney, Indianola, fees and... 600 

6th District—W in. Loughridge, Judge, Oskaloosa,. 1,800 

H S. Window, Attorney, Newton, fees and.. 600 

7th District—J. Scott Richman, Judge, Muscatine,. 1,800 

Lyman A. Ellis, Attorney, Lyons, fees and. 600 

8th District—C harles Conklin, Judge, Vinton,.. 1,300 

C. R. S ott, Attorney, Anamosa, and .fees. 660 

9th District—J ames Burt, Judge. Dubuque . . 1,800 

George Wat3on, Attorney, Delhi, fees and. 600 

10th District—E. H. Williams, Judge, Clermont,. 1,800 

Milo McGlathery, Attorney, West Union, fees and.... 600 

11th District—J ohn Porter, Judge, Eldora,. 1.800 

D. D. Chase. Attorney, Webster City, fees and. 600 

12th District— W. B. Fairfield. Judge, Charles City,.. 1,800 

J. E. Burk, Attorney, Waverly, tees and. 600 


CIRCUIT COURT OF THE UNITED STATES FOR IOWA. 

There are two sessions of this Court held annually at the City 
of Des Moines, viz : On the second Tuesday of May, and the third 
Tuesday of October. 

Hon. Samuel F. Miller, Circuit Judge, Keokuk. 

Hon. James M. Lore, District Judge, Ottumwa. 

W. G. Woodward, E<q., Clerk, Des Moines. 

H. M. Hoxle, Marshal, Dos Moines. 






























STATE INSTITUTIONS. 


93 


UNITED STATES PENSION AGENCIES. 

The only agency for the payment, of Pensions in this State, up to 
the 1st of December, 1864, was at Des Moines, of which Peter 
Myers, Esq., was agent, who states, that the amount paid during 
the past year for pensions was near $300,000. The State is now 
divided into three districts, and agencies have been established at 
Dubuque, Dos Mo-ines and Fairfield. 


At Dubuque, George L. Mitthews, fees about....$2,000 

At F ib field, David B. Wilson, “ “ .1,600 

At D m M dues, Peter Myers, “ “ .900 


The Dubuque Agency will have about 1400 pensioners, Fairfield 
about 1,200, and Des Moines about 650. 

UNITED STATES LAND OFFICES. 

Dks Moines —Thomas Se-ley, Register; J. G. Weeks, Receiver. 

Council Bluffs —F. Street, Register; I). C. Bloomer, Receiver. 

Ft. Dodos — 0 . B. Riehards, Register; (.’has. Pomeroy, Receiver. 

Sioux City— 


CHAPTER XIV. 

STATE INSTITUTIONS. 

UNIVERSITY. 

O. M. Spmccr, D. D.,President, Iowa City,—Wm. Haddock, Secretary, Iowa City. 

AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE. 

Suel Foster, President pro tern., Muscatine,—Wm. Duane Wilson, Sec’y, Des Moines. 

EDUCATION OF THE BLIND. 


B. Wilkinson, Principal, board and a salary ef. $700. 

Mrs. N. T. Morton, Matron, “ “ “ “ . 250. 

DEAF AND DUMB. 

Benjamin Talbott, Principal, board and a salary of. $700. 

Mary B. Swan, Matron, “ “ “ “ . 250. 

INSANE ASYLUM. 

J. R. Patterson, M. D., Superintendent, board and salary of $1,200. 
George Jocelyn, Steward, “ “ “ “ 750. 

Mrs. Jocelyn, Matron, ' “ “ “ “ 250. 


PENITENTIARY. 

E. A. Layton, Warden, salary, $1,000. J. H. Reynolds, Deputy Warden, salary $750. 

STATE UNIVERSITY. 

The low* University was created by act of Legislature during 
the session of 1846-7, and was munificently endowed by an appro¬ 
priation from the General Government. It is located at Iowa 
City, and occupies the elegant stone edifice erected and used until 
1857 for a State House, and a large four story brick building, 
designed for public halls and lecture rooms. Owing to the large 
increase in the number of students, the Board of Trustees hare 










DESCRIPTION OF IOWA. 


94 

determined to erect no additional building, at a contemplated cost 
of $25,000, for which an appropriation of $20,000 was made at the 
last session of the State Legislature. This will embrace, besides a 
number of recitation rooms, a spacious chapel and an astronomical 
observatory. The site is a beautiful and commanding one, em¬ 
bracing an extensive campus highly ornamented with groves of 
native forest trees. 

The assets of the Institution, including buildings, apparatus, 
&c., are over $300,000, whilst its annual income is about $15,000. 
Wm. J. Haddock, Secretary, informs us that the total assets, 
from most of which a revenue is derived, is near $210,000, and the 
estimated income for the next University year, ending June 26, 
1865, is as follows: Interest account $17,000, tuition $2,500, 
rents $786. Total $20,286. 

The several departments are as follows: 

President of the Faculty —Rot. O. M. Spencer, D. D. 

Preparatory— Ch&rl-a E. Borland, Principal. 

Normal — D. Pranklin Wall", Profeisor. 

Mo-al and InUllectual Philosophy , dc., — O. M. Spencer, D. D.. Professor. 

Ancient and Modern Language *— iier. J. T. Robert, L. L. D., Professor. 

Mathematic* and Astronomy —N. R. Leonard, A. M., Professor. 

Chemistry and Natural Philosophy — Gustarus Heinricks. C. P., Professor. 

Natural History —Theo. 8. Parrin, A. M., L. L. B., Professor. 

Number of Professors anl Teachers, including four female 
teachers, 13. Number of students for the year, 432. 

We are gratified to inform the public that the institution is in a 
very flourishing condition, in every respect. Under the faithful 
and admirable management of its Treasurer, William Crum, Esq., 
the assets of the Institution are placed in such a condition as to 
receive the largest possible revenue, sufficient, in all probability, 
to meet all its annual expenses for years to come. A statement 
from the Secretary, Wm. J. Haddock, Esq., giving the details of its 
financial condition, present and prospective, assures us of this 
result. We regret our inability to give sufficient space for its 
publication. 

MEDICAL DEPARTMENT OP TIIE IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY. 

This institution is located in the city of Keokuk. It was created 
by act of Legislature in 1850, and has been liberally assisted by 
appropriations from the State, although not under State manage¬ 
ment. 

The new college edifice is a magnificent brick structure, and 
was erected in 1857-8, at a cost of $30,000. It is admirably 
adapted to the purposes of medical teaching, being in every way 
equal to the wants of the profession and student. The accompany¬ 
ing cut gives an accurate idea of its exterior; its interior 
arrangement is not surpassed by any institution east or west. It 
occupies a central position in the city, and presents a front of 90 
feet by 65 feet in depth. 

It is conducted by an able Faculty, of which D. L. McGugin, M. 
D., stands at the head. J. C. Hughes, M. D., is Dean of the Faculty, 
as also a Professor. The regular course of instruction commences 
on the 20tb of October of each year, and continue* four months, six 


STATE INSTITUTIONS. 


95 

lectures daily. The outire cost to the student, does not exceed 80 
dollars. The College Infirmary aud Hospitals of the city, &c., 
afford abundant clinical advantages to the student for the study of 
medicine and surgery. 

The late announcement of the Medical Department for 18G4 
places the whole number in attendance during the year at 235, and 
the number of graduates 83, which is sufficient evidence of the 
ability of the Faculty and prosperity of the school. 

STATE AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE. 

In 1858 the Legislature of the State made an appropriation of 
10,000 dollars to purchase a farm of 64) acres, on which to estab¬ 
lish an Agricultural College and an experimental farm. That 
amount of land was selected in Story county, 30 miles due north of the 
Capital of the State. It is especially well adapted for the purposes 
contemplated. With other appropriations by the State and dona¬ 
tions by Story county and individuals, the Board of Trustees 
reported to the Legislature of 1864, that after the purchase of the 
farm, building farm house, barn, breaking lands, fencing, &c., they 
had a fund of 30,000 in lands, bonds, &c. The grant of lands by 
Congress to the several States for. Agricultural Colleges, gave to 
the Stateof Iowa 240,000 acres. At the last session of the Legislature 
an appropriation of 20,000 dollars was made to commence a college 
building to cost, when completed, not over 50,000 dollars. That 
building is now in the process of erection, a view of which is 
inserted in this work. It is intended to accommodate 200 students, 
whose education is to be free. The following synopsis of the objects 
ami advantages of such institutions was prepared by the Presi¬ 
dent, Stiel Foster : 

ADVANTAGES OP AN AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE. 

European Governm nts had been establishing Agricultural schools and 
colleges for years before our American States began in that branch of edu¬ 
cation practically. First, some of our oldest and best literary colleges and 
universities began to attach agricultural departments; then individual 
enterprise undertook it, but they seemed to be afraid to make a thorough 
and adequate reform from the old beaten pathway of tho literary, aristo¬ 
cratic, indolent, stupefying, health-killing of our otherwise mpst enterpris¬ 
ing young men. All great reforms are slow and hard to be made, although 
very plain and easy to bo adopted by a few leaders. 

But the agriculture of our country embraces so large a portion of our 
people and wealth, and itwasso apparent to our educated and elevated lower 
class, that it became easily conceived and believed as a necessity. 

Here, agricultural education took apopular turn and then political States 
began to go into it. Michigan had it engrafted into her Constitution and 
was first to establish a State Agricultural College. Then several other 
States followed, Iowa among the earliest, although we have been slow to 

E ut the College in operation, the want of money thus far, being the only 
indranco. 

In the summer of 1864, the foundation of a very good and beautiful Col¬ 
lege edifice was laid, which is not expected to he finished until the spring of 
1867. The design of this building is to accommodate 100 students and the 
Professor#, and all with board and lodging. 


DESCRIPTION OF IOWA. 


96 

The advantage of this mode of agricultural labor school, is first, health , 
second, a more useful, practical and business education.suited to every-day 
life of nearly every man,—third, its patriotic, moral and economical ten¬ 
dency. 

There is no doubt that if our farmers wore rightly and thoroughly in¬ 
structed in the scienco and 'practice of agriculture, the cultivation of the 
earth , from which we obtain our daily food, clothing, and the habitations in 
which we live,—they could obtain from the same land, and the same amount 
of labor now employed, one fourth more product. And every statesman 
knows that agriculture is the right arm. the foundation upon which all her 
prosperity and perpetuity depends. Hence, it is now as apparent to the 
leaders of agricultural education that this reform—this advance in the ed¬ 
ucation or our laboring classes is needed, and that great good will grow out 
of it, as it was years ago to the leaders of “common school education.” It 
is another step in the same direction. Its tendency is to bring up the la¬ 
boring classes to a higher standard of influence and respect at homo and 
abroad, in ekurch and State. 

We cannot expect that a single college in each State is going to work 
this desired improvement; but we hope and trust that a similar school will 
bo established in overy county Then, in tho course of half acentury, their 
influence will be felt for good. 

THE BLIND ASYLUM. 

This Institution is located at Vinton, Benton county, Iowa, in a 
a very commodious, elegant, limestone edifice, 108 feet long by 70 
wide, and four stories in height, which cost the State $40,000. 
“The school is strictly educational, and not for the treatment of 
disease. The annual term commences the first Wednesday in 
September, and closes the fourth Wednesday in June, giving July 
and August as a vacation in which the pupils visit their homes 
and friends. Scholars from Iowa, of suitable age and capacity for 
education, and who conform to the regulations of the institution, 
receive their boarding and instruction at the expense of the 
institution.” 

The number of pupils instructed during the term commencing 
September 1, 1863, as per report of the Superintendent to the 
Legislature was, of males 25, of females 32. From July 4, 1862 to 
December 30, 1863, the expenses of the institution, including 
salaries, were $15,971.41, all of which is paid by the State. About 
$5,000 of this sum were expended for the removal of the institu¬ 
tion from Iowa City, furniture, improvements, &c. 

In the thoroughness of the instruction imparted and the progress 
of the pupils, no institution of the kind in the United States ranks 
higher. 


DEAF AND DUMB ASYLUM. 

This institution is located, at present, in Iowa City. It is not 
provided with suitable buildings, as are the other State Institu¬ 
tions. The State not having determined where to locate it perma¬ 
nently, have made no provision for the erection of an Asylum 
building. As now situated the students have no opportunity to 
learn trades, &c. 

“The pupils in attendance (last winter) number fifty-eight, and 
are from almost as many different oounties. They are quite intel- 










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STATE INSTITUTIONS. 


97 


ligenfc, and seem to be making rapid progress in the acquisition of 
knowl edge.” (Report to Legislature .) 

INSANE ASYLUM. 

This institution is located at Mt. Pleasant, Henry county, in a 
magnificent cut limestone building, of sufficient capacity to accom¬ 
modate 300 patients, the total cost of which, including furniture, 
was $350,000. “As per last report to the Legislature, since the 
opening of the Hospital, (about two years.and a half) 413 patients 
have been admitted. Of these, 104 have recovered—-42 discharged 
improved—12 have been removed unimproved—38 have died—and 
one eloped—leaving 216 in the Asylum. The number of recoveries 
from insanity compares favorably with the results in the best con¬ 
ducted of similar institutions.” Expenses for one year, including 
salaries, $22,833.93. 

THE PENITENTIARY’. 

This institution is located at Ft. Madison, Lee county. The 
number of convicts received in two years, at date of report in 
December, 1863, was 207. Total expenditures for the four previous 
years for all purposes, $54,484,42. Average current expenses, 
including salaries, about $10,000 per annum. 

STATE HISTORICAL SOCIETY. 

This institution was organized for the purpose of collecting the 
materials necessary to constitute a complete history of the State, 
and of the several counties. It is located in Iowa City, and 
although called a State institution, is governed by regulations of 
its own, without interference or direction from the State. It is 
acknowledged of public benefit by the State by a biennial appro¬ 
priation of $500. It publishes the information gathered in a work 
called the “ Annals of the State Historical Society of Iowa,” which 
is published quarterly at a cost of only $4,00 per annum to 
subscribers. It is a well conducted and valuable magazine, and 
is edited by Hon. Theodore S. Parvin, a gentleman peculiarly 
qualified for the task. The whole number of books in the Society’s 
Library is 12,204, which, with many valuable and interesting 
relics, &c., are kept in rooms appropriated for the purpose in the 
State University. 


IOWA ORPHAN ASl r LUM. 

This institution was incorporated on the 30th of December, 
1833. As expressed in the articles of incorporation, it is “for the 
purpose of affording a home where the children of the brave men 
who have fallen in defense of the country, together with other 
orphan children of the State, can be supported and educated.” It 
is supported entirely by voluntary contributions, and has thus far 
received no aid from the State Government. Five dollars paid 
annually, constitutes full membership during the period of pay- 


98 


description OF IOWA. 


ment, and 25 dollars a life membership. It is governed by a Board 
of Trustees, who are elected annually by the members. At present 
orphan children of soldiers, under the age of 16, only are admitted. 

On the 13th of July, 1864, nine rooms were furnished, and every 
other preparation made for the reception of orphans in a very 
suitable building, at Farmington, Van Buren county, which can 
accommodate 100 children. Twelve acres of ground under culti¬ 
vation are attached to it. There are at present 50 children 
comfortably provided for, and applications for many more. 

Not only the citizens of the State generally have contributed and 
are contributing liberally towards its support, but the soldiers in 
the army, we understand, have pledged to it some twenty or thirty 
thousand dollars from their limited means; this only from nine or 
ten regiments; when all the regiments are seen this proportion 
would make a pledge of one hundred thousand dollars. 

Iowa was the first State to establish such an institution—may 
her citizens perseveie in the noble work. The Trustees are 
investing 75 per cent, of their collections as an endowment fund, 
to place the institution on a permanent basis. 

STATE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. 

This Society was organized in September, 1854, and held its first 
two exhibitions at Fairfield, Jefferson county. It has no permanent 
place for holding its exhibitions ; this matter is fixed at the regular 
annual meeting of the Society in January, at the State Capitol. It 
is formed by duly acciedited representatives of the several County 
Agricultural Societies, one from each. The officers are a President, 
Secretary, and Treasurer, who are elected annually by the Society, 
and a Board of Directors, who hold for ten years, one-lialf of whom 
are elected every year by the Society. It receives an annual 
appropriation from the State of one thousand dollars, which, with 
the fees usually charged for admission, &c., fully meet its expendi¬ 
tures for premiums, &c. At. the last exhibition held at Burlington, 
its receipts were about seven thousand dollars. It is in a flourishing 
condition and doing much good. 

Its officers for 1864 were: 

President —Hon. George G, Wright, of Van Buren County, 

Secretary —Dr. J. M. Shaffer, of Jefferson County, 

Treasurer —Edwin Smith, Esq, ( Keokuk. 

An interesting and valuable volume of the transactions of the 
Society is published every year, which contains many useful essays 
in regard to the several branches cf State husbandry. The expenses 
of publishing, &c., is paid by the State. 

COUNTY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETIES. 

The following is a list of counties whieh reported regularly 
organized Societies therein to the State Agricultural Society, and 
which held exhibitions or fairs in one or all of the years 1861. 
1862 and 1863: 


PRIVATE INSTITUTIONS. 


99 


Adair, 

Alamakoe, 

Appanoose, 

Audubon, 

Benton, 

Black Hawk, 

Boone, 

'Bremer, 

Buchanan, 

Cedar, 

Cerro Gordo, 

Chickasaw, 

Clayton, 

Clinton, 

Crawford, 

Delaware, 


Des Moines, 

Junes, 

Dubuque, 

Kossuth, 

Fayette, 

Lee, 

Floyd, 

Linn, 

Franklin, 

Louisa, 

Guthrie, 

Mahaska, 

Harrison, 

Marshall, 

Henry, 

Mitchell, 

Howard, 

Monona, 

Humboldt, 

Muscatine, 

Iowa, 

Page, 

Jackson, 

Polk, 

Jasper, 

Pottawattamie, 

Jefferson, 

Powesheik, 

Johnson, 

Scott, 

Story, 


Tama, 

Taylor, 

Union, 

Van Buren, 
Warren, 
Washington, 
Wayne, 

Webster, 

Wright. 

District Societies 
embracing several 
counties: 

Central Iowa, 
Cedar Valley. 


The receipts of the Scott County Society, at its exhibition in 
1864, at Davenport, were $6,243.30; the gross receipts for five 
years $22,603.53. 

The State appropriates to each county, annually, 200 dollars, or 
as much thereof as may be necessary to equal the gross amount 
received in membership fees. A large number of the Societies 
have large and well fitted up fair grounds. 


PRIVATE EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS. 

Under this heading we give a brief description of the present 
condition and prospects of such educational institutions as we 
could obtain information in regard thereto, and although not 
receiving aid from the Treasury of the State, may be considered in 
one sense, State Institutions. We regret that we have no reliable 
data in regard to other institutions in the State of like character, 
that the public might, obtain some idea of the provisions made for 
the education of the youth of the State of both sexes, independent 
of the numerous well conducted public schools of a high character. 
Many of them are merely noticed in our review of the several 
counties where they are located. 

IOWA COLLEGE, 

Which i 3 under the direction and especial support of the Congre¬ 
gational religious denomination, was first established at Davenport, 
where for several years it was in successful operation. The location 
in Davenport becoming unsuitable for college purposes, it was 
removed to Grinnell, in Powesheik county, and opened there in a 
large and suitable edifice, on the 5th of September, 1860. The 
central position of Grinnell, together with the fact that a large 
majority of its adult population are members of evangelical church¬ 
es, and the further important fact that the sale of intoxicating 
liquors as a beverage, is not tolerated therein, gave it peculiar 
advantages for the location of such an institution. The location is 
healthful and the grounds are ample and beautiful. The College 






100 


DESCRIPTION OF IOWA. 


building is of brick, forty feet wide, seventy feet long, and four 
stories high. The Catalogue for 1863 and 1864, gives the following 
summary of students in the several departments: College 19, 
English and Preparatory 26, Ladies’ Course 32, Ladies’ Preparatory 
15,—total 92. Tuition is free to soldiers disabled in the Union 
service. 

The institution is in a more flourishing condition now, than ever 
before. There has been added to its endowment fund, during the 
past year, the sum of fifty thousand dollars. Rev. Geo. F. McGoun 
has accepted the Presidency, with the chair of mental and moral 
science, and will enter upon his duties on his return from Europe, 
in the Spring. 

BISHOP LEE SEMINARY FOR YOUNG LADIES. 

An important educational work has been commenced by the 
Episcopal Church in Dubuque, under the auspices of the Right Rev. 
Henry W. Lee, D. D., and the trustees of Griswold College at Dav¬ 
enport. The large and beautiful building, (see view) erected for 
a seminary of the highest grade, and beautifully situated in the 
city of Dubuque, witli ample grounds and commanding prospect, 
has been purchased and paid for at a cost of $14,000. The institu¬ 
tion is already in successful operation, under the charge of a thor¬ 
oughly experienced teacher, under the title of the Bishop Let Sem¬ 
inary for Young Ladies . It is proposed, in the Spring of 1865, to 
make several important improvements in the buildingand grounds 
to fit it in all respects for a most attractive home for young ladies 
desiring to accomplish themselves in a thorough course of intel¬ 
lectual training, It is open to all, without reference to their eccle¬ 
siastical connections, and the terms of tuition are very moderate. 
A large endowment fund has been generally pledged, the avails of 
which will place this seminary on a firm and independent basis. 
The institution will have, as it deserves, a large patronage. Its 
connection with the Griswold College under the chartered manage¬ 
ment of its board of trustees, will enable it to confer regular col¬ 
legiate diplomas upon those who shall complete the required course 
of study. Communications in reference to the Seminary may be 
addressed to Geo. Burden, Esq., Secretary, Rev. G. W. Dubois, Du¬ 
buque, or Bishop Lee, Davenport. 

METHODIST EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS. 

CORNELL COLLEGE 

Is located at Mt. Vernon, in Linn county, Iowa. Rev. W. F. 
King, A. M., is Vice President, Rev. S. Y. Harmer, Agent. The 
endowment fund has reached the sum of sixty-four thousand dollars, 
exclusive of the buildings and college campus, and it is proposed 
to increase this by the addition of fifty thousand dollars. 

The Board of Trustees offers free tuition to indigent disabled 
soldiers, and indigent children of deceased soldiers. The past year 
ha* been one of great prosperity. The number of students was 


PRIVATE INSTITUTIONS. 


101 


four hundred and twenty-eight,. The Rev. Mr. King has had 
charge of the Institution during the past year; the Board of Trustees 
express high approbation of his administration. Much credit is 
due him and his associates for the able manner in which they have 
managed the institution. 

UPPER IOWA UNIVERSITY 

Is located at Fayette, in Fayette county, Iowa. Rev. William 
Brush, A. M., is President, and Rev. F. C. Mather, Agent. “The 
Institution has no endowment fund, but the tuition fees have met 
the current expenses. The indebtedness amounts to but six hundred 
dollars. The Trustees speak in very high terms of the efficiency 
of the President and of the labors of the Faculty. The attendance 
the past year has been larger than ever before and prosperity has 
marked the year. The examinations have been largely attended, 
and exhibited fidelity and thoroughness on the part of the 
instructors. This Institution makes the same liberal offer of free 
tuition to destitute soldiers and their children that Cornell College 
has done. There will be strong efforts made to bring such to its 
halls and to raise the necessary funds to carry out this noble 
proposition. This is a move in the right direction, and the friends 
of the soldier, soldier's family, and of education, should aid these 
institutions in this noble work. 

IOWA WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY 

Is located at Mt. Pleasant, in Henry county, Iowa. Rev. Charles 
Elliott, D. D., is President, Rev. W. J. Spaulding, Vice President, 
and Rev. J. A. Bradrick, Agent. This Institution has an efficient 
President and an able Faculty, under whose judicious management 
and the fostering care of the Conference has enjoyed much pros¬ 
perity. The support of the Conference is pledged and efficient 
means will be used to raise necessary funds to defray the current 
expenses of the Institution. In that rich and beautiful section of 
the country the friends and means should be forthcoming to push 
forward this noble enterprise. 

INDIANOLA MALE aNI> FEMALE SEMINARY 

Is located at Indianola, in Warren county, Iowa. Rev. 0. H. 
Baker, A. M., Principal, assisted by Mrs. 0. H. Baker, A. M. This 
Institution commenced operations in the fall of 1860. The 
buildings, including the grounds, are worth ten thousand dollars ; 
apparatus and library six hundred dollars. There were 70 students 
in attendance during the last term. 

The Institution is free from debt and is constantly adding to its 
educational facilities, and is represented as being in a prosperous 
condition, aud is becoming a controlling influence for a large dis¬ 
trict of country, In order that it may meet the wants of the people 
there should be additional buildings. The members of the Con¬ 
ference pledge individually their hearty support, and request the 
agent to visit their respective fields of labor, where they will aid 
him in every possible way, but the Conference does not assume any 
financial obligation. The Conference recommends the erection of 


102 


DESCRIPTION OF IOWA. 


the requisite buildings as rapidly as safety from embarrassment 
will justify. Those wanting an education will find this a pleasant 
place, with good educational facilities. 


CHAPTER XV. 

COMMON SCHOOL SYSTEM OF IOWA. 

The history of the Schools of Iow r a may in point of time be divided 
into three periods, viz: first, from the organization of the Territory 
in 1838 to the adoption of the first Constitution and the admission 
of the State into the Union in 1846; second from 1846 to the 
adoption of the present Constitution in 1857; third, from 1857 to 
the present time. 

During the first period the schools made comparatively little 
progress, for two reasons—the powers of school districts were too 
limited in regard to levying taxes, and there was no adequate State 
or county supervision. During the second period there was an 
efficient State Superintendency, the powers of school districts were 
enlarged, enabling them to levy taxes to build school houses, pur¬ 
chase libraries, &c.; but there was no efficient county supervision: 
the facilities for preparing teachers were altogether inadequate, 
and the pay of teachers was in part supplied by rate bills against 
the patrons of the school. The result was that, ■while the large and 
wealthy districts erected costly school houses, the poor and sparsely 
settled districts had no school houses and frequently no schools. 
Moreover, persons frequently being employed to teach without the 
examiner’s certificate, it was difficult to elevate the standard of 
qualification frr teachers, or to make teaching an “honorable 
profession." 

The new Constitution placed the educational interest of the 
State under the management of a Board of Education, which, at its 
first session in 1858, adopted a new system of public instruction. 
This system, modified by the Board at its sessions in 1859 and 
1861, and by the General Assembly in 1862 and 1864, constitutes 
our present system of public instruction.* 

ITS LEADING FEATURES. 

Each civil township is a school district, divided into sub¬ 
districts with distinct boundaries. Each sub-district elects 
annually a sub-director, and these sub-directors constitute a Board 
of Directors for the District Township. The electoi-sof the District 
Township have the power to determine what amount of money 
shall be raised annually (not. exceeding 5 mills on the dollar for 
the whole Township, nor more than 10 mills for any one sub¬ 
district) for building school houses, purchasing libraiies, &c. The 

* The Board of Education was abolished by the General Assembly at its regular 
ses ion in 1$64. 






COMMON SCHOOLS. 


Board of Directors lias authority to determine what amount shall 
be raised for the “teachers’ fund," and also for the “contingent 
fund.’’ It is the duty of the Board to keep the schools in session at 
least 24 weeks in each year, and they may continue them longer 
at their discretion. The schools are free to all persons between, 
the ages of 5 and 21 years. 

A COUNTY SUPERINTENDENT 

of Common Schools is elected biennially, whose duty it is to 
examine applicants for teachers’ certificates, visit schools, instruct 
school district officers in their duties, hear and decide cases appeal¬ 
ed from the Board of Directors, and make his annual report to the 

SUPERINTENDENT OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION, 

who is elected biennially—by the people—and who is charged 
with the general supervision of all the County Superintendents, 
and all the common schools of the State. It is his duty to render a 
written opinion to any school officer asking it in regard to the 
school law, and to determine all cases appealed from the Coun¬ 
ty Superintendents. He recommends text-books, prepares and 
distributes school laws and blanks to County Superintendents, and 
makes a bi-ennial report to the 

GENERA'L ASSEMBLY, 

which has charge of the educational interest of the State, 
including the School and University fund and lands. 

The permanent school fund—now more than $2,000,000—is 
derived from the sale of the 16th section of land in each township, 
from the sale of the 500,000 acres granted by Congress, from the 
proceeds of 5 per cent, on the sales of public lands in the State, and 
from the sale of lands escheated to the State. The interest on the 
permanent fund is apportioned semi-annually, by the Auditor of 
State, among the counties according to the number of persons 
between 5 and 21 years. 

In addition to this, each county levies an annual tax—for the 
support of schools—of not les3 than one nor more than two and 
one half mills on the dollar on all the real and personal property 
within the county, and this is apportioned among the townships 
according to the number of persons between 5 and 21 years. 

The schools then, are supported by the interest on the permanent 
fund, by a county tax, and by a district (coivnship) tax. 

The State appropriates 50 dollars annually to each county 
holding a Teachers’ Institute for a period of not less than six 
working days. Some sixty counties held Institutes during the 
year 1863. All the teachers in the county are required to attend 
the Institute unless excused by the County Superintendent 

The Normal Department of the State University is conducted 
expressly for the benefit of those preparing to teach; and two 
students from each county in the State are admitted without charge. 

The State University is under the management of a Board of 
Trustees appointed by the General Assembly, and is supported by 
the income of the University Fund, and a small matriculation fee 


104 


DESCRIPTION OF IOWA 


from the students. Two students from each county are admitted 
without charge. 

The school system of Iowa is similar to that of Pennsylvania, 
Ohio and Indiana, and the people are generally highly pleased 
with it. The time is not far distant when the interests of the 
schools will demand a State Noimal School for the preparation and 
training of teachers. It is hoped the next General Assembly will 
move in the matter, and that in a very few years Iowa will have a 
Normal School that will be an honor to the State and a blessing to 
the people. 


No. of Sub-Districts, — No, of School Houses, — No. of Schools,—for 
1863, from report of State Superintendent to Legislature, Jan., 1864. 


COUNTIES. 

1 Sub-Districts. 

School Houses. 

Schools in 1863 

COUNTIES. 

1 

Adair. 

21 

16 

80 

Floyd. 

Adams. 

22 

LU 

IS 

20: 

Franklin. 

Akunakee. 

105 

70 112. 

Fremont. 

Appanoose. 

97 

63 

i :t4! 

Greene. 

Audubon. 

G 

5 

6; 

Grundy . 

B nton. 

107 

75 

162 

Guthrie. 

Black Hawk.. 

78 

60 

83 

Hamilton. 

Boone. 

44 

28 

59 

TTft.n<?r>rrk ,, 

Bremer. 

GO 

39 

7<) 

Hardin 

Buchanan. 

84 

56 

831 

Harrison_ 

Buena Vista... 

. ••• 



Henry. 

Butler.. . 

51 

41 

711 

Howard. 

Calhoun. 

3 

3 

3 

| Humboldt.... 

Carroll. 

7 

5 

7 

Ida . 

Cass-. 

28 

os 

37 

TfkWft 

C edar. 

96 

70 109 


Cerro Gordo.... 

16 

17 

22 

Jasper. 

Cherokee. 

2 

2 

2 

Jefferson. 

Chickasaw..,. 

54 

42 

52 

Johnson. 

Clarke. 

51 

41 

82 

.Tones 

Clay. 




•.lav ton. 

145 124 

ig7 

• Kossuth 

Clinton. 

124 101 

132 


Crawford. 

11 

7 

10 

Linn. 

Dallas. 

51 

34 

50 

Tionian. . 

Davis. 

90 

81 

95 


Decatur. 

68 

54 

105 

Lyon .,. 

Delaware. .. 

103 

; 81 

103 


Des Moines.... 

77 

i 72 

79 

Mahaska . . 

Dickinson... 

g 

• •• 


Marlon . 

Dubuque. 

101 

86 

i25 

Marshall. . 

Emmett . 

1 


1 

Mills . 

Fayette. 

:ii9 

70 

l 19S 

Mitchell . 


' Sub-Districts. 

1. 

School Houses. 

i 

i „ ——-— 

Schools in 1863 

COUNTIES. 

Sub-Districts. 

School Houses. 

Sch. ols in 1863 

52 

36 

50 j 

Monona. 

18 

12 

13 

29 

27 

29! 

Monroe. 

71 

68 103 

43 

24 

45 

Montgomery. 

. 

10 


19 

17 

201 

Muscatine.... 

7S 

68 

iio 

27 

19 

26 

O’Brien. 




51 

28 

59 

Osceola. 




20 

20 

20 

Dage . 

42 

38 

72 

6 

o 

6 

Palo Alto. 

8 

1 

4 

61 

39 

61 

Plymouth. 

2 

2 

2 

43 

82 

49 

To ahontas.. 

2 

2 

2 

72 

71 

133 

Polk. 

81 

57 

81 

43 

30 

63 

Pottawatt’mie 

35 

33 

60 

6 

2 

13 

Powesheik. .. 

58 

45 

83 

1 

1 

11 

Ringgold..... 

54 

36 

66 

92 

64 

75 

Sac . 

4 

6 

9 

130 

117 137 

Scott .. 

87 

82 120 

80 

57 

79 

Sioux . 




85 

73 

88 

Shelby. 

18 

11 

24 

l(i9 

98 141 


46 

36 


117 

99 116 

Tama. 

93 

67 

115 

94 

77 

9l| 

Taylor. 

87 

29 

51 

7 

5 

8 

Union. 

26 

28 

45 

111 

101 

175 

Van Bureii... 

105 101 

105 

1291113 

1*28 

Wapello . 

85 

74 143 

65 

57 

62 

Warren . 

85 

65 170 

CO 

44 

71 

Washington. . 

119 

93 

29 




Wayne . 

58 

48 

TO 

70 

. , 

58 

115 

Webster . 

34 

20 

42 

94 

74 

89 

Winnebago . . 

2 

4 

3T 

102 

84 

103 

Winne-he-k .. 

97 

66 

90 

56 

50 

62 

Woodbui y... 

4 

8 

14 

88 

31 

66 j 

Worth . 

10 

12 

11 

41 

26 

49 i 

Wright . 

IS 

16 

1 2 









































































































































MILITARY AFFAIRS. 


105 


CHAPTER XVI. 

STATE MILITARY AFFAIRS. 

The following article was prepared by a gentleman who is 
intimate with the military operations of the State. 

The military history of Iowa, prior to the outbreak of the 
rebellion, is a brief one. The Mexican war was pending when the 
State was admitted into the Union, and one company from Iowa 
took part in that conllict. This company was commanded by Capt, 
Guthrie, of Fort Madison, and joined an Indiana regiment. The 
captain was killed in battle, and Guthrie county is named in honor 
of him. Among the members of this company were many who 
have since become eminent in the history of the State, and some of 
them have borne a distinguished part in the present struggle. 

From territorial times a nominal militia organization had existed, 
and when the war began there were not far from thirty companies 
in the principal towns of the State, with battalions at Burlington 
and Iowa City. There was no regimental organization, however, 
and these companies wore composed generally of little more than 
the minimum number required by law, while the number of arms 
in the State was hardly enough to supply them. 

Thus meagerly prepared were we when the present war began. 
But the tidings of the capture of Fort Sumter, while awakening a 
storm of patriotic indignation, which swept away every vestige of 
sympathy with the public enemy, and everywhere evoked the 
strongest expressions of the popular determination to sustain the 
Government in vindicating the national honor and maintaining 
the integrity of the Republic, developed a martial spirit in the 
people, which more than compensated for other deficiencies. 

The quota of Iowa, under the President’s call for 75,000 men for 
three months service, was one regiment. The Governorimmediately 
issued an appeal to the people, which was responded to with a 
patriotic fervor worthy of the best days of the Republic, and many 
times the number asked for were offered. Of these three regiments 
were immediately organized, two of them for three years. The 
First Iowa Infantry was mustered in at Keokuk on the 14th day 
of May, 1861, for three months; the Second on the 27th and 
28th days of the same month, for three years; and the Third on 
the 8th and 10th of June following, for the same time. Recruiting 
continued activeljq and more regiments were formed, so that by 
the beginning of the year, 1862, fourteen regiments of infantry 
and three of cavalry, with three batteries of artillery, had gone 
to the field from Iowa; besides a company known as the Sioux 
City Cavalry, for frontier service; and one from the northern 
part of the State, now known as Co. A, of the 11th Pennsylvania 
Cavalry. In addition to these a large number of men went into 
regiments from Missouri, Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Kansas, 
and the Territories of Nebraska and Dacotah. The First regiment, 
after an arduous campaign, in which it eminently distinguished 


106 


DESCRIPTION OF IOWA. 


itself, was mustered out on the 25th day of August, 1861, shortly 
after the battle of Wilson's Creek, in which it bore a prominent 
and honorable part. 

In the year 1862, twenty-six regiments of infantry, (from the 
15th to the 40th, inclusive,) were organized and sent to the field. 
The “Curtis Horse,” an independent organization, authorized by 
Major General Fremont, while in command of the Western 
Department, was, in consideration of the fact that many of its 
companies were from Iowa, as well by way of compensation for 
Iowa men in regiments from other States, assigned to our State, 
as the Fifth Iowa Cavalry. 

Under the President's calls of July and August, 1862, Iowa's 
quota was 10,570 three-years' men, and a like number for nine 
months,—equivalent to 13,238 men for three years. The State 
furnished over 24,000, all for three years. 

In 1863, four regiments of cavalry and one of infantry were 
raised. The infantry regimeut, composed of colored men, was 
known as the “First Iowa Infantry of African descent;” it is 
now called the Sixtieth United States Volunteers, A. D. 

During the present year (1864) four regiments and one battalion, 
have been called out for one hundred days, and, having served 
that length of time, been mustered out. 

In addition to new organizations, several thousand recruits have 
gone forward to fill the ranks of regiments already in service. 

The following statement of the numbers of men required and 
furnished from the State, up to December 31, 1863, we condense 


from the Adjutant General’s Report for 1864: 

Number of three years’ men called for,. 44,284 

Number of militia for nine months, 10,570—equivalent, 

in three years’ men, to. 2,643 

* ’ 

46,1127 

Number of men furnished. 52,355 


Balance to the credit of the State... 5.428 


The above account does not include the call for three-months 
men, nor the men raised in answer to that call. 

Since the beginning of the present year, (1864) the State has been 
called on for about 21,000 men, of which number, including the 
balance from 1863, and credits obtained from other States, about 
17,000 were obtained by volunteering, leaving between three and 
four thousand to be raised by draft, which was commenced, for the 
first time in the State of Iowa, on the 19th day of September. 

Of the services ol Iowa soldiers, it is hardly necessary to speak. 
The histoiy of the war in Missouri and Arkansas, in Louisiana 
and lexas, in Tennessee and Mississippi, in Alabama and Georgia 
is filled with the deeds of the brave men of Iowa. On the battle 
fields of those States, they have won immortal renown, and many 
of their number, on those battle-fields, rest in heroes’ graves 
Whether covering the retreat at Belmont, or making the last 








MILITARY AFFAIRS. 


107 


grand charge at Fort Donelson, or plucking victory from defeat at 
luka, and Corinth, and Milliken’s Bond, or trudging wearily for 
days and nights together in marches and countermarches, or 
vieing with the bravest of the brave at Pea Ridge and Prairie 
Grove, at 'Vicksburg and Chattanooga; or in their general 
demeanor, their tenacious bravery, their impetuous valor, their 
ardent love of country, their patient endurance, their intelligent 
discipline, and their chivalric bearing, they have proved themselves 
noble specimens of the highest type of the soldier the world has 
ever known—the true soldier-citizen—at once the best of soldiers 
and best of citizens. And all future generations of people who 
shall live in this State, will have in their deeds a legacy of 
imperishable glory. 

ADJUTANT GENKKAL’s OFFICE. 

The work of recruiting and organizing regiments and preparing 
them for active service, caused a re-organization of the Military 
Department of the State, at the beginning of the war. Governor 
Kirkwood in July, 1861, selected for Adjutant General and acting 
Quartermaster General, Hon. Nathaniel B. Baker, at that time a 
representative in the General Assembly, from Clinton county, and 
formerly Governor of the State of New Hampshire. This appoint¬ 
ment has proved an eminently fortunate one. Under his active and 
energetic management, the quotas of Iowa have been properly filled, 
proper credits have been obtained from the War Department, our 
soldiers in the field have been cared for, their families at home as¬ 
sisted, the border of the State guarded against Indian and guerril¬ 
la incursions, and the militia of the State organized and armed. 

The Adjutant General is assisted by Col. John C. Culbertson, as¬ 
sistant Adjutant General and acting Paymaster General, a very ef¬ 
ficient and vigilant officer, to whose untiring labors the office is 
largely indebted for the general excellence of its management. 

Connected with the various departments, are fifteen clerks, of 
whom six are ladies. Accurate records are kept of all the Iowa 
soldiers, from their enlistment until they leave the service, the de¬ 
sign being that when the books are completed they will contain 
reliable histories of all Iowa regiments, and of every member of 
them. 

The State headquarters were located at Davenport in the year 
1862, where they still remain. The headquarters of the mili¬ 
tary district of Iowa are also at Davenport; so is the office of Lieut. 
Col. Grier, 1st U. S. cavalry, U. S. recruiting officer and disbursing 
agent for the State. 

PROVOST MARSHALS. 

The State is divided into six enrollment districts, corresponding 
with the congressional districts. The names of the Provost Mar¬ 
shals, with their headquarters, areas follows : Capt. R. B. Rutledge, 
Burlington; Capt. Philo E. Hall, Davenport; Capt. Shubael P. 
Adams, Dubuque; Capt. James Mathews, Grinnell; Capt. S. C. 
Brownell, Des Moines; Capt. Warner Curtiss, Fort Dodge. These 


108 


DESCRIPTION OF IOWA. 


are all under the general supervision of Major Duncan, Acting 
Assistant Provost Marshal General of Iowa, with headquarters at 
Davenport. Each enrollment district has also one Surgeon and 
one Commissioner of Enrollment. 

[Note. —Since the above was written it is ascertained that the 
whole number of men furnished by the State for the present war 
is something over 60,000.] 


CHAPTER XVII- 


COAL FIELDS AND OTHER MINERALS OF THE STATE. 


In our introduction we stated that Prof. T. S. Parvin would pre¬ 
pare an article on the Geology of the State. The pressure of his 
official duties and sickness prevented him from doing so, but instead 
of that he has given us a very reliable and valuable document on 
the Climate of Iowa, of more real importance to the settler than the 
other would have been. In the absence of the article refei red to, 
we give the counties in which coal and other minerals are reported 
in the State Census of 1863 to have been raised, as follows: 


Coal. 

Coal. 

Other Minerals- 

Adams, 

Louisa, 

Appanoose, 

Appanoose.* 

Lucas, 

Bremer, 

Boone,* 

Madison, 

Buchanan, 

Buchanan, 

Mahaska,* 

Clayton,* 

Dallas, 

Marion,* 

; Davis, 

Davis,* 

Marshall, 

! Delaware, 

Guthrie,* 

Nonroe,* 

Des Moines, 

Hamilton, 

Muscatine,* 

Dubuque, 

Hardin,* 

Polk,* 

Henry, 

Henry, 

Scott, 

Jackson,* 

J asper,* 

Tama, 

Jefferson,. 

Jefferson,* 

Taylor, 

'Johnson, 

Johnson, 

Van Buren,* 

Kossuth. 

Keokuk,* 

Wapello,* 

j Keokuk, 

Lee.* 

Warren,* 

iLee, 

Linn, 

Webster. 

1 Louisa, 


Other Minerals. 

Mahaska, 

Marion,* 

Plymouth, 

Scott, 

Shelby, 

Story, 

Wapello, 

Warren, 

Webster. 


In those counties markod with a * large quantities have been raised. 
Those under “other minerals,” principally indicato Iron; in Dubuque it 
is probably all Lead. ' 1 


CHAPTER XVIII. 

CLIMATE OF IOWA. 

BY PROF. T. S. PARVIN, OF TI1E STATE UNIVERSITY. 

In order to give value to the series of observations on the weather 
upon which this article is based, I have sought to extend them over 

















CLIMATE. 


109 


a series of years, and to group them with those made at variou 
places in the State, and in corresponding latitudes without, by way 
of comparison. 

The experience of the past as well as of previous years demon 
strates the greater capacity of our soil to resist a long con 
tinued drought, than the soil of the States east of us. And these 
investigations into the climatology of the seasons, will as amply 
prove that where the Springs are wet and backward, our Falls are 
favorable to the ripening of the*crops which are staples in this 
region of our extended country. 

While these deductions are based substantially upon the 
observations which I have made at Muscatine running back to the 
year 1888, an inspection of the first table will show that the mean 
temperature for each of the seasons and for the year for the period 
of seven years (or fourteen as I have collated the observations for 
that time) corresponds very closely with those of the average for 
eight different places in the State for a period of five years—inclu¬ 
ding Dubuque in the north, Ft. Madison in the south, Council 
Bluffs in the west, and Ft. Dodge in the interior. 

The mean temperature of the State represented at eight points is 
46°19, a degree lower than at Muscatine, and the same below that 
of the four States named east of us in the valley and upon the sea 
board. The mean of the Winters in Iowa is below those States, 
while that of Spring and Summer is much higher, and of the Fall 
the same; so that with us the Spring sets in earlier and the greater 
heat of Summer ripens the growing crops and expedites the harvest. 
Not only the germination of the seed but the perfection of the 
plant depends upon the proper supply of moisture as well as of 
heat and light. The latter being the same in this zone and the 
amount and distribution of the second being in our favor, it only 
remains to consider the former. 

It was thought for a long time that the amount of rain in the- 
Atlantic States very much exceeded that falling in those of the 
Mississippi valley. 

It has been conclusively shown that our supply of moisture 
comes from the South Pacific Ocean. The moisture is continually 
rising and wafted in upper currents of air over the great basin of 
the south-west, driven by the varied currents till it has reached 
this great valley of which the southern parts of our State is not 
far from the center, where it is precipitated in obedience to natural 
laws in showers and storms sufficient to irrigate the entire valley. 

The average amount of rain for the State is 40 h inches to 45 
inches on the Atlantic, as deduced from table VII. 1 am, however, 
well satisfied that there is an error in this, arising from the dis¬ 
crepancy in the method pursued by the several observers. In the 
east the mdted snow, (ten inches of snow making one of water,) is 
invariably taken into account in the total of rain, while in this 
State a large majority of the observers omit it altogether. The 
average amoun) of snow in this region of the State for seven years 


110 


description OF IOWA. 


in about thirty inches, which would add three inches to the amount 
of rain making it 43J or only lj inches below that upon the 
Atlantic slope. 

An inspection of the tables II and VII will show that in the east 
the amount of rain (including snow) for the winter greatly exceeds 
the amount in this region, while in the spring and summer when 
needed to advance and mature the crops the amount is relatively 
the same in both regions. 

I have added two tables, V and VI, showing the temperature, 
&c., , for the “Winters of Iowa” for the years 1856-64, 
which, while long enough, do not “ drag their slow length ” so far 
into the spring as to retard the planting of seed or interfere with 
the interest of the stock raiser. While on the contrary our Falls 
are proverbially fine and subject to fewer exceptions than is else¬ 
where to be found. 

Bearing in mind your admonition “to be brief,” I have omitted 
the many and interesting conclusions that might be drawn from 
the tables appended, but have prepared them with great care and 
labor as useful data, that those who are or may be interested in the 
growth and prosperity of our common country and this State in 
particular, may consult and deduce from them information of 
interest to the student of science and useful to the agriculturist 
and raiser of stock. 

In table I, I have given the mean temperature of each of the 
months, seasons and years for a period of seven years and added 
the mean for the whole time, with a like mean for eight different 
places in the State. With these means the corresponding results 
for any of the months or series of months of the several years may 
be compared and the highest and lowest average at once discerned. 

Table II, will show similar results for the total and mean of the 
rain in inches; both the result of observations made at Muscatine, 
while table III exhibits the results of the two for a number of 
places widely distributed thi ough the State. 

In table IV, I have presented the highest and lowest temperature, 
in the first line of each month and in the second the warmest 
and coldest day for a like period, designating by the brackets the 
extremes of each. The minimum recorded on the 18th of January 
1857 (—30°) is the lowest for a period of twenty-six years. On 
the 31st of August 1854, (a year not included in these tables,) the 
mercury rose to 99°, showing a range in twenty-six years of 129°. 

I have gathered together in tables V and VI various results from 
which the degree and duration of cold or the length and severity 
of our winters may be seen. 

Table VII, is designed to show by way of comparison the degree 
of heat and cold and amount of rain of Iowa, and the same of the 
States in the Mississippi valley and on the seaboard in the same 
latitude. 


CLIMATE. 


Ill 


I, 

Table showing the moan Temperature of each of tho months and seasons 
of the years, and for the seven years named, at Muscatine, Iowa; also the 
average temperature for eight different places in the State: 


MONTHS, 

TEMPERATURE— 

YEARS. 


Mean 

O 

Mean 

etc. 

1S57 

1S5S 

1859 

1S60 

1S61 

1862 

1863 

7 years 

places. 

5 years 

December . 

deg. 

31.41 

d< g, 
25.53 

cleg. 
15 11 

deg. 

17.4S 

deg. 

32.46 

cb g. 
33.72 

deg. 

27.00 

deg. 

26.10 

7 

deg. 

21.02 

January . 

[0.16] 

29.96 

24.10 

2032 

16.01 

15.32 

25.97 

19.83 

7 

IS.07 

Februarv . 

28.76 

15.98 

25.77 

26.62 

27.14 

6.2S 

23.40 

23.42 

8 

20.09 

Winter Mean . 

22.11 

23.82 

21.66 

21.81 

25.20 

21.77 

25.32 

23 09 


20.26 

March . 

29.87 

38.71 

40.09 

46.69 

35.63 

34.55 

31.89 

86.03 

10 

33.05 

Apiii . 

88.29 

46.12 

43.27 

49 62 

52.70 

47.00 

47 25 

46.32 

8 

45 07 

May.. 

53.91 

54.31 

62.13 

64.33 

5S.04 

61.84 

58.69 

59.03 

9 

59.68 

Spring Mean. 

40.69 

46.38 

48.49 

53.54 

4S.79 

47.79 

45.94 

47.37 


46.33 

June. 

65 11 

70 62 

69 00 

69.82 

72.02 

67.00 

63.49 

68.09 

9 

69.07 

July . 

71.21 

78 80 

72.33 

71.68 

73 51 

76.S4 

71.45 

73.69 

8 

72 06 

August. 

70 85 

[79.89] 

69.22 

68.75 

75.39 

77 31 

70.43 

73.12 

8 

70.04 

Summer Mean. 

69.05 

76.43 

70.20 

69.92 

73.64 

78 72 

68.45 

71.63 


70.90 

September . 

68.77 

66.93 

60.25 

54.25 

65.16 

68.28 

61.24 

62.84 

8 

63.08 

October. 

47.92 

51.99 

47.47 

51.30 

54.49 

54 66 

40.02 

49.69 

S 

50.00 

November. 

31.19 

32.61 

39.61 

35.73 

39.40 

35.80 

83.77 

37.44 

S 

34.00 

Autumn Mean. 

47.62 

50.51 

49.11 

47.09 

53,01 

52.91 

45.01 

49.32 


49.26 

Annual Mean . 

45.04 

49.29 

49.40 

48.09 

50.16 

45.01 

46.22 

47.89 

s 

46.69 


II. 


Table showing the mean fall of Rain of each of the months of the years, 
and for the seven years named, at Muscatine, Iowa; also the average fall 
of rain for eight different places in the State : 


MONTHS, 

etc. 


RAIN- 

-YEARS. 



Mean 

O 

Mean 

1857 

* 

1858 

1359 ; 

1 

1860 

1861 

1862 

1SG3 

7 years 

T5 
>—• 

St 

o 

a 

JL 

5 years 

December .. 

Inches. 

1.55 

In 

1.70 

In. 

1.00 

In. 

3.74 

In 

1.20 

In. 

1.75 

In. 

5.52 

Tn. 

2.35 

7 

In. 

2.07 

January . 

[•” ] 
5.50 

1.60 

.95 

1.0( 

1.50 

4.00 

1.70 

1.53 

7 

1.39 

February . 

2.00 

1.48 

.40 

.47 

2.50 

1.50 

1.98 

8 

2.83 

Winter, total. 

7.03 

5.30 

3.43 

5.14 

3.17 

8.25 

8.72 

5.86 


5.84 

March. 

2.44 

2.20 

4.61 

.55 

2.25 

7.00 

2.00 

3.01 

10 

2.20 

April . 

1.40 

5.67 

3.59 

1.67 

3.93 

7.00 

1.52 

3.52 

8 

3.16 

May . 

2.75 

S.40 

7.49 

1.42 

3.06 

2.65 

1.86 

3.85 

9 

5.30 

Spring, total . 

6.59 

16.27 

15 69 

3.64 

9.24 

16.65 

5.38 

10.06 


10.66 

June . 

.90 

6.67 

5.82 

3.66 

1.72 

7.00 

.91 

3.79 

9 

4.10 

July. 

4.67 

7.30 

2.93 

4.03 

2.65 

3.95 

.25 

3.68 

8 

4.80 

August . 

6.20 

4.12 

1.70 

2.30 

2 80 

7.25 

4 15 

4.07 

■*8 

3.20 

Summer, total. 

11.77 

18.09 

10.45 

9.99 

7.17 

18.20 

5.28 

11.56 

12.10 

September. 

1.80 

6.10 

1.86 

2.76 

[9.30' 

4.50 

2.41 

4.10 

8 

3.30 

October . 

1.93 

4.95 

.85 

1.00 

7.20 

2.85 

3 54 

3.19 

8 

3.40 

November. 

2.70 

4.00 

1.05 

1.44 

2 20 

1.00 

1.44 

1.99 

• 8 

5.17 

Autumn, total. 

6.43 

15.05 

3.76 

5.20 

18.70 

8.45 

7.39 

9.28 


11.87 

Annual total. 

31.82 

54.71 

33 83 

33.97 

38.28 51.55 

26.7T 

87.20 


40.47 















































































































112 


DESCRIPTION OF IOWA 


III. 


Table showing the average temperature, and fall of rain, for cch month 
of the years, and for the five years named, with the average number of 
places in the State (Iowa), in which the observations were made _ 



gq 

Average. 

IOWA. 


1855. 



h3| 

W2 

Months. 

o 

00 

05 

JS 

P CD 

S'* 
p p 



deg. 

in. 

December. 

7 

20.20 

2.09 

January .. 

tj 

i 

23.50 

2.08 

F ebruary. 

8 

18 80 

1.71 

Winter.... 

•• 

20.66 

5.88 

March . 

10 

30.90 

1 45 

April. 

S 

55 60 

2.27 

May. 

9 

62 90 

3.20 

Spring. 


49.76 

6.92 

June. 

9 ! 68.40 

5.00 

July . 

8 

74.30 

4. SO 

A ugust ... 

8 

GS.60 

8 80 

Summer ... 

... 

70.43 

13.10 

September 

8 

67.10 

4.70 

October ... 

8 

47.70 

3.10 

November 

8 

36.10 

! 3 09 

Autumn .. 

•• 

50.30 

10.89 

An’l Mean 

• •• 

47.79;36,79 


Average. 

1856. 


B p 
V 3 

deg. 
15.20 
9.301 
16 10' 


p ST 
►r s» 

P a 


in. 

4.50 

1.04 


Average 

1857. 


£2 
— (t 
C P 
73 P 

deg. 
31.40 
[5.7] 


1.88!27.20 
G.87121.43 


.93!29.CO 
51.70 .3 33!36.80 


60.80 

46.26 


8.50,56.20 

7.76,40.86 


61.50 
53.20 

33.50 

49.40 


1.90 
3.80 
1 60 
7.30 

2.90 
6 60 
3.51 


68.30 
63 60 
71.00 


W2 

p cd 

=;• p 


Average 

1858. 


H g 
B » 

•s P 


deg. 


in. 

1.27 
.77 32.00 

5.80 16.50 

7.34 24.13 

2.11 40 10 

1.35 46.50 
7.30 55.70 

10.76 47.43 

1.80 72.20 
2.90 73 90 
5.S0 j 7i.90 


Average 

1859. 


£g 

h a 
g o 

s p 

B p 

• a 

*3 0 

in. 

deg. 

1 90 

15.20 

2 08 22.90 

1 64 

26.40 

5.57 

21.50 

2.06 

40.60 

5.4S 

37.70 

7.30 

63.20 


£3 

S; ct> 

S' p 
P a 


in. 


Vv’rage for 
5 years. 


o T 
E? V 5 
x i 

deg. 


1.05 18.10 
1.92 20.90 
3.55|20.26 

4.45 33.50 
3 34 45.70 
5.40159.80 


Wg 

p ^ 

5T » 

P 0 

in. 

2.07 

1.89 

2.38 

5.84 

* 

2 20 
3.16 
5 30 


14.84 47 16 13.19 46.33 10.66 


6 40 66.20' 5.60:69.70 4.10 
[830] [75.7] 4 30 72.60 4 80 
3 30 j 72.50 1.80 70.40 , 3 20 


67.63j 10 50 72.66 13 00 71.46 11.70 70.90 12.10 


65 20 
49.2M 
33.70 j 
13.01 49.36 


2.40 63 70 3.70 61.60 
2.20 51.20 4.60 48 40 
3.53 31.80 1 3.74 38 70 
8.13 48.73.12.04 49.56 


2.90 63 80 
.80 50.00 
1.98 84.00 
5.6S 49.26 


3.30 
3.40 
5 17 
11.87 


IV. 

Table showing the highest and lowest temperature ; (the first line), the 
warmest and coldest day (the second line) of each of the months for tiro 
years named, at Muscatine, Iowa : 

TEMPERATURE,—MAXIMUM AND MINIMUM. 


MONTHS ! 
etc • 

1S55. 

1856. 

1857. 

1858 


1S59. 

b| 

g | 

b| 

g 

b 

2' 

bi 

2 i 

»—l 

W 

2[ b! 


b!«| 

b! 

*5* 

b 

g 

b 



P 

P 

g | 

5* 

P 


g 

B 

P 

g g 1 


p 1 P 

g 


P 

P 

P 

3* 


(T> 


o 




<TD j 


CD 

r | a 

. 

® i • 

(t> 


o 


© 




d. 


d. 


d. 1 


d. 


d. 

d 

Id. 


d. 


d. 


d. 

January.... 

2 

64 

23 { 

-23 

16 32 

9l 

• 26 

30 

41 18 

30 ' 

25 52! 

7 

8 

19 

50 

8 

*13 


2 

59 

22 

-4 

19 23| 

3 

[ 21] 

30 

26 18 

8 

25 46 

7 

17 

19 

42 


-12 

ebruary .. 

12 

40 

251 

-11 

25 42 j 

4 

-29 

23 

57 10 

2 

26 46 

10 

2 2 

17 

51 

13 

-18 


12 

36 

25 

-3 

22 

34 

4 

-14 

23 

46 10 

5 

26 36 

lu 

15 

10 

45 

9 

”1 

March. 

8 

63 

21 

-2 23 56!10 

-17 

30 

58 7 

5 

19 70 

2 

1 

23 

67 

19 

23 


8 

46 

201 

5 

23 441 

9 

8 

22 

47: 9 

3 

19 59 

2 

9 

23 

54 

IS 

29 

April. 

17 

87 

to! 

24 

25 77 19 

27 

29 

65, 6 

13 

29 78 

6 

24 

30 

72 

4 

22 


17 

27 

10 

32 

25 65 

19 

35 

30 

54! 6 

10 

29 69 

5 

3 4 

30 

60 

4 

26 

May. 

21 

86 

8 

27 

24 90 

10 

40 

8 

S3 12 

29 

27,81 

11 

39 

23 

S2 

13 

45 


21 

75 

8 

43 

22 78 

4 

47 

8 

63 10 

42 

27 71 

1 

48 23 

72 

14 

51 

June. 

16 

91 

4 

35 

24 97 

14 

50 

26 

891 4 

QO 

oo 

22 96 

13 

52 

27 

85 

4 

40 


16 

84 

8 

50 

21182 

14 

56 

[15 

7S: 4 

51 

27 81 

12 

58 j 27 

SO 

4 

43 

July. 

17 

95 

2 

55 

16 

93 19 

55 

18 

07! 1 

45 

6 89 

13 

52 18 

[97] 

27 

46 


15 

[85] 

1 

63 

16 82 

18 

65 

15 

81 2 

59 

6 SO 

- 

J 


18 

W 

27 

58 

A ugust. 

17 

96 

3 

53 

1 

91 

80 

40 

13 

92 30 

47 

9 93 30 


17 

92 

28 

43 


17 

i 83 

3 

58 

1 

78 

30 

53 

1? 

82 29 

55 

71811241 

15 

77 

28 

56 

September.* 8 

92 

27 

85 

9 

I 91 

24 

28 

9 

S3 30 

36 

20, S7 

12 


10 

87 

2 

34 


S 

1 83 

30 

48 

9 

,80 

30 

, 38 

11 

76 21 

4S 

6176 

,12 


10 

76* 

5 

50 

October.... 

10 

| 84 

25 

15 

8 

.82 

16 

25 

8 

74 20 

22 

2 85 

8 

1 

3 

82 

31 

15 


10 

67 

24 

31 

4170 

16 

34 

5 

61! 20 

| 32 

2 72 

8 


3 

68 

31 

99 

November . 

11 

67 

22 

10 

2 54 

8 

4 

4 60 26 

-0 

2 62 

19 

l 1 

S 

1 75 

131 12 


l 11 

60 

21 

20 

2,48 

8 

9 

5 56 25 

9 

2 47 

18 

15 

4 

! 62 

12 

16 

Deeember.. 

1 

60 

30 

-19 

9 42 

6 

-18 

14 52126 

13 

29 4S 

8 

, -2 10 

46 

!*i 

-22 


1 8 

! 49 

123 

•9 

! 9135 

22 

1 -4 

1450,26 

20 

,29143 

8 

1 

iio 

i 84 

131 

J-16 


























































































































CLIMATE 


113 


> 


•2 O 
o 

03 I 
O 

2 ^ 

sS,* 

o 
*0 
I 

to 

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1-1 Ifc 


a 


I- * H 

£ j" 

* 'iz 

o .ft* 
3 

no ^ 
•TJ -flj 
C > 
ce !> 

1,? 


1859-60 

March.| 

February . 

, OM 

{ft • • 

S* gJSei*®®* 

w a 

• O to CO 

CM . • • 

iCNCCHO) 00 ‘M 

O tH O CM CM CO 

January . 

S 05 . °. • 

to a* n ^ <M r “* 

December ... 

CM ?—4 0 O 00 

CM . • • 

<0 0*0* ^ 00 1 lC CO CO t-H 00 

GO CM r-H r—1 

November... 

*0 0 0 

—•GO iO N ci C5 n ^ ^ 

M b»H CO 

* 

1 

CO 

0 

CD 
i—1 

March. 

Ss'cs' 0 CT °° 

ww O 03 "tf 1 ,_ 1 

February . 

OH O OS 03 rS 

January . 

GO rH O b* 

v—i O O <M O l^'tfCM 

O CM O JM 

December ... 

10 0 . 

HHOHOO | ICO W CO t-H 

CO OS (M ^ 

November... 

O CO •# 

O H OS COS tH 00*^ O 

co —i to co hi —1 

CO 

1 

r- 

»<o 

00 

t-H 

March. 

t— CO 

00 ohIo cs 

co th c- eo 

February . 

Cl O 1 —£0 00 O 
c-i • * • • 

OOOJNCO | XI r —1 GO 

<M ^ f—t »' 1 7—1 

January . 

r— 71—1 O 1 —i*P r—i 

-+ 1 1-S CS 00 O'" 0 T_l 

ifj 0S 10 cs 1 —1 1—1 

December ... 

b- iO lO 

<M CM 0Z r ~~ i 7 — 4 GO 

HH 7-1 1— n —iiQ ,-H co 

November ... 

oh 10 lo 

0 hom^woco 

t-H *0 CO — 1 OS co 


1 Mar ch. 

iO CO coos 

t--rS 00 25 CO rS CO 

^ t-H iO ^ 


<v 

S-i 

fcjj 

4) 

c 

■w 

tJD 

C 

• r 4 

fe 

O 

.3 

uC 


.O 

cS 


February, 


January 


December 


November 


!* 

55 

< 

a 

1-3 

a 

o 

03 


CSt- 


o co 


c ^ H N I CO Ci <M ^ 
""T r-i O CM 



O ^ ^ ^ O ^ ' 

CO H -O CO «— 1 


be 

0) 


??| c 3 : 


be : I " 

£ tc ® 5 
^ e. S? a fa 
<s Es 3 

CO dq ^ c3 

I H | H £ ■ 

M 1 d Cl, 

e 3 « 3 g 

.§ ® a £ 5 


CO 

c fe « 

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a> 

>>- 
c*3 - 


CS 

P4 


* 

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(fl H 

o 4> ^ 
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L- O (JO 

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S3 - .x ; 
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S <2 


J-» 

o 

a 

3 


* The mean time for closing for 20 years is December 27th. 
f The mean time for opening for 20 years is February 22d. 
j The average number of days closed [for same time] 01. 































































































VI. 


114 


DESCRIPTION OF iOWA. 


c3 

£ 

o 


O 

c3 

£ 

O 


G 


o 

to 

CO 


G 

o 

co 

aJ 

a? 

CO 

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bO 

c 

£ 

o 

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no 


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CO 

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March. 


F ebruary. 


January 


"tH 


to 


T—< 


00 


rH 




pH 




K 

co 

l{H 

<3 

1 


O! 


to 

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rH 

hH 


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o 

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HH 


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cn 


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07 

a 

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! Ch 

1 

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H 

O 

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December .. 
November... 


March. 


February 


January 


December 


November 


March. 


February. 


IJanuary 


| December .. 


I November ... 


.March. 


February. 


January 


December ... 


November... 


S3 

►J 

H 

u 

r n 


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to Oi CO iO 1 n 

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r-1 CC> O CO SO ca 


CO rH 

to CO 




CO 

CO CO 


to CO 

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co or ol oi 


rf rH 

lcj i—^ CO 





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CHURCHES. 


115 


VJI, 

Table shoving the average Temperature and fall of Rain for each of the months for 
five y ears, 1855—59, in the States named on the Atlantic and Pacific slopes and the 
Mississippi Valley, byway of comparison with that of Iowa. 


AVERAGE MEAN TEMPERATURE AND RAIN, 1855—59. 


SEASONS. 



Illinois 
IS') 5—59 


deg. 

December 21.2 

January. IS.7 



February 
Minter. 

March. 

April. 

May . 

Spring_ 


20.9 

20.26 

33.5 

47.7 

5ST.8 

49.33 


59 7 
172.6 


June. 

July. 

August.170.4 

Summer . 70.90 


September 
October. 


63.8 
50 0 


November. 34 0 

Autumn.|49-2G 


2 20 36.2 2.69 

3 16 49.4 2.87 

5.03'69.6 5.09 

10.66148.73 10.65 

4.10 69.0 3 60 

4.58 76 2 3.90 

3.20 71.9 3 40 

12.10 72 36 10.90 


i 


Massach’s iConnec’cut 
1855—59 I 1855—59 

ws' 


dog. 
30.3 
4.68 24.8 
2.57 25.0 
12.05 26.90 

•32.1 2.71'33.1 

43.7 4.44 43.3 

54.5 4.05 54.6 

43.43 11,20 43.66 

4.10^63.9 


New Jersey 

1855—■•.9 


& 




California 
1855—59 


3.30 
3.40 
5.17 
11 S7 


65.4 

51.9 

37.1 

51.46 


2.90 


3.90 

5.80 

13.80 


3.12 

4.17 

4.09 

11.88 

4.30 

4.20 

5.80 


in.j deg. 
4.52.46 2 
4.10,50 4 
2 37 52.0 
10.99 49.53 


62.2 


1.60 45.4 
3.16 39.1 


70.4 

67.5 

67.26 14.30 71.63 


37.3 

47.6 
53.0 
47.63 

69.6 

74.4 

70.7 


3.30 61.6 
3.SO 50.9 
2.96140.3 


4 20 62.7 
11.17 58.83 i 

4 50 69.1 
4.00 67.6 

4.50 68.0 
13.00,68.28 

l 

3.50 68.2 ! 
3.30 61.4 ; 
3.22 54.9 


7.66.48.90 10.06 50.93 


3.30 64 3 
2.80 49.1 
3 12 42 7 

9!22 52^03'10.02 61.53 

i 


2.34 

1.16 

1.10 

4.60 


.00 

.90 

2.43 

3.38 


Amo’nt Mean ,40.49|40.47 49 38 37.15146.17 47.11 47.19 47.67 50.37145.18'59.52 16.72 


CHAPTER XIX. 

CHURCH DIRECTORY FOR IOWA. 

BAPTIST CHURCH. 

{Tip The statistics given in this chapter of the several religious denom¬ 
inations in the State, are all that could be obtained from official sources 
after diligent research and correspondence. Among those not heard from 
is the Christian denomination, of which there are a large number scat¬ 
tered all over the State. Of the Friends, or Quakers, also, there are quite 
a number of settlements and meeting-houses, but we could obtain little 
information in regard to their localities. In the published statistics of the 
denominations given above, there was an omission in nearly all of them to 
give the counties in which the Churches are located, and where they are 
not mentioned in the United States’ list of Post Offices, the county could 
not be given. * 











































































116 


DESCRIPTION OF IOWA. 


The following named places where organized churches are located, 
are reported in the official proceedings of the “ Iowa Baptist State 
Convention” for 1863. 


Brighton, 
Davis Creek, 
Richmond, 

Yv ashington, 
Burlington, 
Danville, 
Marion, , 


IN THB BURLINGTON ASSOCIATION. 


Washington County, 
u u 

U U 

U (C 

Des Moines “ 

u cc 

Linn “ 


Mt. Pleasant, 
New London, 
Ononwa, 

Flint River, 
Huron, 
Jefferson, 
Pisgah. 


IN TIIB BEDFORD ASSOCIATION. 


Henry 

U 

Louisa 


County. 

U 
( i 


First Church, Adams County, 

Quincy, “ “ 

Big Grove, Pottawattamie “ 

Clarinda, Page “ 

Nodaway, “ “ 

W. Nodaway V’y, “ “ 

Caledonia, Ringgold “ 

Grand River, Wayne “ 

Osceola, Clarke “ 

Milford. “ “ 

Ilopevillo, “ “ 

Nish nabo tana, Montgomery “ 

Red Oak, “ “ 

Lewis, Cass “ 


Leon, 

Decatur 

County 

<; 

Bedford, 

Taylor 

Platteville, 

U 

a 

Mt. Olive, 

Mills 

u 

New Hope, 

Union 

u 

Sidney, 

Bethel, 

Bethesda, 

Big Creek, 

Fremont 

il 

Hayden Grove 
Union, 

) 



Vernal, 

West Union, 
White Breast. 


i 


IN THE IOWA VALLEY ASSOCIATION. 


Columbia, Marion County, 
Green Mount’n, Marshall “ 

Marshalltown, “ “ 

Grinnell, Powesheik “ 


Honey Creek, 

Richland, 

Toledo, 


Clayton 

Keokuk 

Tama 


IN THE CEDAR VALLEY ASSOCIATION. 


Barclay, 

Cedar Falls, 

Waterloo, 

Chickasaw, 

Fredericksbur 

Jacksonville, 

Eden, 

Fairbank, 

Independence 

Mitchell, 

Osage. 


Black Hawk County, 


u 

U 

u 

U 

Chickasaw 

u 

Of, “ 

O) 

c< 

<< 

(C 

Fayette 

u 

Buchanan 

<< 

l « 

u 

Mitchell 

u 

< t 

a 


St. Charles, Floyd 

Floyd, “ 

Rockford, “ 

Rock Grove, “ 

Grove Hill, Bremer 
Waverly, “ 

Tripoli, “ 

Janesville, “ 

New Hartford, Butler 
Polk 


Des Moines, 

Avon, 

Carlisle, 

Greenbush, 

Hartford, 

Sandy ville, 

South River, 

Monroe, 

Vandalia, 


Polk 

U 

Warren 

u 

u 

u 

(. 

Jasper 


IN THB CENTRAL IOWA ASSOCIATION. 

\ 


County, 


a 

u 

(i 

u 

u 

It 

tl 

.< 


Newton, Jasper 
Otter Creek, “ 
Pleasant Hill, “ 
Iowa Centre, Story 
Knoxville, Marion 
Enon, 

Good Hope, 
Handsomeviow, 
White Breast, 


County, 

U 

c c 


County, 

<( 

(C 

u 

n 

*c 
• ( 
u 


County, 

ii 

U 

u 









CHURCHES. 117 


IN THE EDen ASSOCIATION, 


Albia, 

Monroe 

County, 

Moravia, Appanoose 

County 

Bfth’ehem, 

Wayne 

<i 

Milledgeville, “ 

f C 

Cambria, 

<< 

(i 

Uaionville, “ 

ti 

Corydon, 

<< 

ii 

Peoria, Story 

cc 

Chariton, 

Lucas 

ii 

New Hope, Union 

ii 

Wayne, 

Henry 

(i 

Goshen. 


Mt. Pleasant, 

• < 

ii 

Little Flock. 


Franklin. 

Decatur 

ic 

Mt. Eden. 


Garden Grove, 

ti 

ii 

Mt. Arrarat. 


Highland, 

Clavton 

it 

Mt. Olivet. 


New Providence, Hardin 


Pleasant Grove. 


Union, 

iC 

tt 

Pleasant Hill. 


Walnut Creek, 






IN THE DUBUQUE ASSOCIATION. 


Pabuque, 

Dubuque 

County. 

Maqnoketa, Jackson 

County. 

Cascade, 

ii 

ft 

Monmouth, “ 

ii 

Worthington, 

cc 

t. 

Iron Hill, “ 

ti 

Delaware, 

Delaware 

tt 

La Motte, “ 

tt 

Delhi, 

n 

i. 

Spiing Brook, “ 

At 

Manchester, 

ii 

11 

Waterford, “ 

ft 

Plum Creek, 

it 

11 

North Bend. 


Hopkinton, 

a 

ft 




IN THE ENGLISH RIVER ASSOCIATION. 


Montezuma, 

Powesheik, 

County. 

Sigourney, Keokuk 

County. 

Brooklyn, 

11 

A A 

Smith English, ‘‘ 

4 A 

Deep River, 

( t 

( t 

Martinsburgh, “ 

ft 

Cedar Creek, 

Mahaska 

ft 

Marengo, . Iowa 

t t 

Madison, 

f C 

tt 

Millersburg, “ 

it 

Clear Creek, 

Alamakee 

ii 

Pella, Marin 

t t 

Howard’s Grove, Washington 

it 




IN 

THE LINN 

ASSOCIATION. 


Anamosa, 

Jones 

County. 

Jackson tp., Cbi'kasaw 

County. 

Fair view. 

<< 

i i 

Prairie Hill, Boone 

f a 

Belle Prairie, 

Benton 

• t 

Quasqueton, Buchanan 

ii 

Shellsburg, 


it 

Big Grove. 


Yinlan, 

<« 

ic 

Jordon’s Grove. 


Cedar Rapids, 

Linn 

tt 

Linn Grove. 


Marion, 

At 

cc 

Parker’s Grove. 


Center Point, 

< C 

«i 

Roger's Cteek. 


Pal >, 

it 

ii 

Simmon’s Creek. 


Clinton, 

Clinton 

ii 




IN THE UPPER DBS MOINES ASSOCIATION. 


Algona, 

Kossuth 

County. 

Fort Dodge, Webster 

Cmiaty. 

Boonsboro, 

Boone 

tt 

Webster City, Hamilton 

( t 

Swede Bend, 

t A 

ti 

Mt. Pleasant. 


Iowa Falls, 

Hardin 

ii 

North Union. 


Great Bend. 



Squaw Creek. 



IN TnE 

DAVENPORT ASSOCIATION. 


Davenport (2) 

Scott 

County. 

CFar Creek, Alamakee 

County, 

Princeton, 

ft 

tc 

Iowa City, Johnson 

f A 

Le Claire, 

tc 

cc 

Muscatine [8] Muscatine 

t c 

Blue Grass, 

cc 

cc 

Hickory Grove, Jackson 

cc 

Comanche, 

Clinton 

cc 

Van Bur m, “ 

i ( 

Clinton, 

tt 

i i 

Mill Creek. 


De Witt, 

ti 

cc 

Mt. Olivet. 


Lyons, 

ii 

cc 

Lioe. 











118 


DESCRIPTION OF IOWA. 


IN THE KEOKUK ASSOCIATION. 


Keokuk, 

Lee 

County. 

Bethlehem, Wayne 

County. 

Denmark, 

n 

it 

Farmington, Van Buren 

4 • 

West Point, 

n 

a 

Mt. Zion, “ 

it 

Warren, 

n 

a 

Glasgow, Jefferson 

44 

Pilot Grova, 

L t 

C l 

Rome, Hear> 

C< 

Big Mound, 

it 

it 

Jefferson. 


Charleston, 

a 

it 

Tippecanoe. 

£ 

Ft. Madison, 

a 

tt 

Bratton’s Grove. 

/ 

Cedar, 

a 

it 




IN THE FOX RIVER ASSOCIATION: 


Bloomfield, 

Davis 

County. 

Concord. 

- 

Pulaski, 

it 

• 

4* 

East Shoal Creek. 


Chequest Union 

it 

J 

<c 

Little Fox River. 


Oentreville, 

Appanoose 

4. 

Mar’s Hill. 


Freedom, 

Lucas 

it 

North Fabins. 


Mt. Pleasant, 

Henry 

it 

North Union. 


Salem, 

44 

i i 

Providence. 


Hopewell, 

Mahaska 

it 

Shoal Creek. 


Liberty, 

Clarke 

i i 

Union. 


New Hope, 

Union 

tl 

Zion. 


IN TIIE SOUTII-WESTERN IOWA ASSOCIATION. 


Rig Grove, 

Pottawattamie County. 

Milford, Clarke 

44 

Ciarinda, 

Page 

t 4 

Nodaway. 


G'< nwov.d, 

Mills 

4 4 

Sidney, Fremont 

4 4 

Lewis, 

Cass 

4 . 

Silver Creek. 



IN THE OSKALOOSA ASSOCIATION. 


Oskaloosa, 

mabaska 

County. 

Pleasant Grove, Wapello 

County. 

ti 

Belefountain, 

• i 

44 

Pleasant Corners, 

Eve'and Grove, 

it 

44 

Ashland, “ 

44 

Bluff Creek, 

it 

4 ( 

Mt. Carmel, Mahaska 

(4 

Fremont, 

4 ( 

(4 

Little mount, “ 

44 

Fairfield, 

Jeff! rson 

44 

Loviliia, Monroe 

it 

Brookville, 

<< 

(4 

Pe'la. Marbn 

(4 

Ottumwa, 

Wappello 

a 

Blakesburg. 


Mt. Pleasant, 

4 4 

44 

Friendship. 


Center, 

(« 

44 

Salem. 



IN TIIE 

TURKEY RIVER ASSOCIATION. 


West Union, 

Fayette 

County. 

Hardin, Clayton 

County 

Fayette, 

4 4 

44 

McGregor, “ 

44 

Illyria, 

44 

4 4 

Strawberry Point, “ 

44 

Oran, 

4 4 

44 

Waukon, Alamakee 

.4 

Erie, 

Buchanan 

*4 

Rossville, “ 

44 

Lime Springs, 

Howard 

4 4 

Paint Creek. 


Vernon Spring, 

< < 

44 

Union. 



The following summary for 1864 is given by the Secretary of the 
* Convention held in October last, which is taken from the Daven¬ 
port Gazette: 

The receipts of Convention for the past year have been $2,798. 

Ten missionaries have been under appointment, whose united labors have equalled 
that of one man for eight and a half years. 

_ Two hundred and sixteen converts have been baptized, and one hundred andeit bty- 
eight received into the churches by letter, besides ttie above the Baptist Home 
Mission Society, located in New York city, has expended in missionary labor in Iowa 
during the last year some $7,000, l'ha whole number of Baptist members in the State 
is about thirteen thousand. 








CHURCHES. 


119 


GERMAN BAPTIST CHURCH. 
There are organized congregations in the following places: 


Butler Centre, 
Waterloo, 
Newcastle, 
Harlan, 
Unionville, 
Rock Creek, 
One in 


County. 


Butler 
Blackhawk 

Jasper 
Shelby 
Appanoose 
Polk 
Davis 

South English, Keokuk county, and one in 
southern part of the county. 


4 4 
44 
( 4 
44 

< 4 

4 4 


Johnson county, one in south western part 


Marshalltown 
Iowa Centre, 
Panori, 
Harmony, 
Pleasant Corner, 
One church, 


County. 

44 


This denomination has 2,000 communicants in the State. 


Marshall 
Story 
Gut h lie 
Jefferson 
Moo roe 

, Washington 

Seven miles south of Indianola, in Warren 
County. 


44 
4 4 
44 
4 4 


CATHOLIC CHURCHES IN IOWA. 

DIOCESE OF DUBUQUE. 


Alamakee county—Cherry Mount, Ferns, 
Lansing, St, Cyprian, St. Fintan, Wex¬ 
ford and Waukon. 

Blackhawk county—Cedar Falls, Gilbert- 
ville. 

Boone county—St. Angeline. 

Buchanan county—Erin, Independence. 

Chickasaw “ —St. Rose. • 

Clarke “ —St. Agnes, 

Clayton “ —Elkader, Garnaville 2, 

Guttenberg, Monona, McGregor. 

Clinton county—Center Grove, De Witt, 
Sugar Creek, Lyons [2], 

Dallas county—Adel. 

Delaware county—Colesburg. ~ 

Des Moines county—Augusta, Burlington 
(2), Dodgeviile. 

Dubuque county—Dubuque (9), Banxton 
Settlement, Cascade, Dyersville, Glas- 
nerin, New 3Ielleray, New Wine, O’Con¬ 
nell’s Settlement. 

Hardin county—St. Caroline. 

Henry county—Mt Pleasant, New London. 

Jackson county—Belleview, Sabula, St. 
Lawrence, Spruce Creek, Garry Owen. 

Jasper county—Newton. 


Jefferson county—Fairfield. 

Johnson county—Iowa City (2), Old Man’s 
Crck. 

Jones county—Castle Grove. 

Keokuk county—Lancaster. 

Lee counry—Fort Madison, West Point, 
Keokuk (2). 

Linn county—Cedar Rapids, Irish Yalley. 

Louisa county—Port Louisa. 

Lucas county—t hariton. 

Madison county—Church ville. 

Mahaska county— Oskaloosa. 

Manona county—Newborn, and other mis¬ 
sions around. 

Monroe county—Georgetown. 

Muscatine county—Muscatine, St. Hala- 
chy. 

Polk county—Des Moines. 

Pottawattamie county—Council Bluffs. 

Scott < ounty—Davenport [3], Le Claire, 
Walnut Grove. 

Wapello county—Eddyville, Ottumwa. 

Webster county—Fort Dodge. 

Winnesheik county—Decorah, Fort Atkin¬ 
son, Old Mission, St. Luke. 

Woodbury county—Sioux City. 


The Catholic population in the State is 79,000. There is in the State one Abbey, near 
Dubuque; 15 Convents; 10 Charitable Associations ; Male and Female Free Schools 
almost in each district where there is a resident Priest, and Sunday Schools in all 
cities. 


CONGREGATIONAL CHURCHES. 

STATISTICS FOR THE YEAR ENDING MAY 1, 1864. 


IN THE COUNCIL BLUFFS ASSOCIATION TIIE CHURCHES ARK 


Council Bluffs, 

Pottawattamie County. 

Lewis, 

Cass 

Count 

Exira, 

Audubon “ 

Magnolia, 

Harrison 

4 4 

Fontanelle, 

Adair “ 

Nevin, 

Adams 

(4 

Glen wood, 

Mills “ 

Onawa, 

Monona 

44 

Harrison, 

4 4 4 1 

Sioux City, 

Woodbury 

44 

Tabor, 

Fremont “ 

Civil Bend, 

4 4 

4 i 











120 


DESCRIPTION OF IOWA. 


IN THE DAVENPORT ASSOCIATION. 


Big Rock, 
Davenport, 

Le Claire, 

New Liberty, 
Brookfield, 

De Witt, 

Elk River, 
Lyons, 

Cedar Rapids, 

Marion, 

Durant, 


Scott 

County. 

Inland, 

Cedar 

County 

44 

44 

Tipton, 

4 4 

4 t 

4 4 

44 

Muscatine, 

Muscatine 

4 4 

4 4 

4 4 

Wilton . 

4 4 

a 

Clinton 

44 

Iowa City, 

Johnson 

44 

44 

44 

Sabula, 

Jackson 

(4 

44 

4 4 

Waterford, 

• 4 

44 

4 4 

44 

Copper Creek, 



Linn 

44 

Lucas Grove, 



4 4 

44 

Rock Creek, 



Cedar 

44 

Sterling. 




IN THE DENMARK ASSOCIATION. 


Burlington, 
Danville, 
Bright- n, 

Clay, 

Crawfordsville, 
Washington 
Salem (£), 
Hillsboro, 

Mt. Pleasanl 


Des Moines 
Washington 

4* 

C< 

<4 


Henry 

i i 
ti 


County. 

11 
< < 

<< 

u 

(t 

t« 

it 


Columbus City, Louisa 
Wapello, 


Denmark, 

Keokuk, 

Warren, 

Franklin, 

Fairview 

Criasgow, 

Jefferson. 


Lee 

4 4 
< < 

Decatur 

Jefferson 


County. 

4 4 


<4 
4 4 
44 
44 


Wayne, 

44 

44 





IN THE DK9 MOINES 

RIVER ASSOCIATION. 


Bentonsport, 

Van Buren 

County. 

Knoxville. 

Marion 

County. 

Farmington, 

44 

44 

Martinsburg, 

Keokuk 

4 4 

Keosauqua, 

44 

4 4 

Oskaloosa, 

Mahaska 

44 

Eddyville, 

Wapello 

4 4 

East Lafayette 

i 


Ottumwa, 

4 4 

44 

Rockville, 



Fairfield, 

Jefferson 

44 

Summit, 



Salma, 

44 

4 4 

Black Hawk. 




IN TnE DUBUQUE ASSOCIATION. 


Anamosa, 

Jones 

County. 

Cedar Falls, 

Blackhawk 

County. 

Boman’s Prairie “ 

4 4 

Waterloo, 

4 4 

44 

Cass, 

• 4 

44 

Dubuque, 

Dubuque 

44 

Monticello, 

44 

44 

Durango, 

44 

44 

Bellevue, 

Jackson 

4 4 

Dyersviile, 

44 

44 

Cottonville, 

44 

«4 

Forestville, 

Delaware 

44 

Maquoketa, 

4 4 

44 

Manchester, 

44 

44 

Quasqueton, 

44 

4 4 

York 

44 

44 

Buffalo Grove, 

Buchanan 

44 

Colesburg, 



Central City, 

Linn 

44 

Concord, 



Brown Township 


Nottingham, 



A i moral, 







IN THE 

GARNAVILLO ASSOCIATION. 


Burr Oak, 

Winnesheik 

County, 

Farmersburg, 

Clayton 

County. 

Dacorah, 


i 4 

McGregor, 

4*4 

4 « 

Fort Atkinson 

<< 

4 C 

Monona, 

44 

44 

Lansing, 

Alamakoo 

4 4 

Garnavillo, 

4 < 

44 

Portville, 

4 l 

14 

Fayette, 

Fayette 

44 

Waukon, 

4 » 

44 

Lima, 

44 

44 

Orleans, 



West Union, 

44 

44 

Elkader, 

Clayton 

44 





IN THE GRINNELL ASSOCIATION. 


Toledo, 

Tama 

County. 

Des Moines, 

Polk 

County. 

Irving, 

4 4 

44 

Polk City, 

4 4 

44 

Indiantown, 

44 

44 

Genoa P»luffs, 

Iowa 

44 

Buckingham, 

44 

4. 

Green Mountain, Marshall 

44 

Grinneil, 

Fowe sheik 

44 

Newton, 

Jasper 

• 4 

W1 liamsburg, 

Benton 

44 













UNION PUBLIC SCHOOL—DUBUQUE. 












































































































































































































































CHURCHES. 


121 


Mitchell, 
Osage, 
Stacyville, 
Chapin, 
Hampton, 
New Oregon, 
Saratoga, 
Mason City, 


IN THE MITCHELL ASSOCIATION. 


Mitchell County. 

<< .< 

Franklin “ 

(t 4 i 

Howard “ 

44 4( 

Cerro Gordo “ 


Charles City, Floyd 
Rockford, “ 

Rock Grove, “ 

Ulster, “ 

Floyd Center, “ 

New Hampton, Chickasaw 
Bradford, “ 

Plymouth, Cerro Gordo 


County. 


IN THE 

Algona, Kossuth 

Larkin’s Grove, Hamilton 
Webster City, “ 


NORTH-WESTERN ASSOCIATION. 


County. 

<< 


(4 


Fort Dodge, Webster 

Otho, “ 

Iowa Falls, Hardin 


County. 

4 4 


44 


IN THE GERMAN ASSOCIATION. 


Center Township, 

Linn 

County. 

Garnavillo, 

Clayton 

County 

Davenport, 

Scott 

I* 

Muscatine, 

Muscatine 

(4 

Grandview, 

Louisa 

44 

Sherrill’s Mound, 

Dubuque 

• 4 

Pine Creak, 



Elgin, 

Fayette 

<4 


IN THE WELSH ASSOCIATION. 

Flint, Mahaska County. Williamsburg, Benton County. 

Georgetown, Monroe “ Old Man’s Creek, 

Long Creek, 


Total number of Churches..'. 124 

“ “ “ Ministers. 124 

“ “ “ Members.. 6,799 

“ “ Sabbath School Scholars. 5,362 

" Contributions to Benevolent Institutions.$6 243 

“ “ “ Theological Seminary. 210 


THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. 

The Iowa Annual Conference was formed by the General Conference 
of 1844, embracing the entire Territory of Iowa, The first session 
was held at Iowa City, Iowa, commencing August 14th, A. D. 1844, 
Bishop T. A. Morris presiding, Rev. II. W. Iieed, Secretary. The 
Conference was divided into three Districts and twenty-nine Sta¬ 
tions, Circuits and Missions, with eighteen traveling Preachers in 
full connection, and nine probationers. There were sixty local 
preachers, and five thousand four hundred and three Church mem¬ 
bers within the bounds of the Conference. 

The Upper Iowa Annual Conference was formed by the action of 
the General Conference in 1856, embracing all that part of the State 
of Iowa lying north of a line commencing at Davenport, and running 
on the line of the railroad to Towa City; thence up the Iowa River 
to the south-west corner of Benton county ; thence due west to the 
Missouri River, embracing Iowa City and Davenport. It was divi¬ 
ded into nine Districts and eighty-eight Stations, Circuits and Mis¬ 
sions, with fifty traveling Preachers in full connection, and twenty- 
eight on probation. The first session of the Conference was held at 


















122 


DESCRIPTION OF IOWA. 


Maquoketa, commencing August 27tli, 1856, Bishop E. S. Janes 
presiding, Rev. Langdon Taylor, Secretary. 

The Western Iowa Annual Conference was formed by the General 
Conference of 1860, and bounded as follows, to-wit: Commencing 
at the south west corner of Appanoose county, thence north to the 
Des Moines River ; thence up said river to the south line of Boone 
county; thence weston the line to the Missouri River; thence down 
said river to the south line of the State; thence east on said line to 
the place of beginning. It is divided into four Districts and forty 
Stations, Circuits and Missions, with thirty-six traveling Preachers 
in full connection, and ten on probation. The first session of the 
Conference was held at Indianola, Warren county,- commencing 
August 22d, 1860, Bishop E. S. Janes presiding, Rev. E. M. H. Flem¬ 
ing Secretary. The General Conference in 1864 discontinued the 
Western Iowa Conference and formed the Des Moines Conference. 

The State is now divided into three Annual Conferences, the Iowa, 
Upper Iowa and Des Moines. 

The Iowa Annual Conference is bounded as follows, to-wit: Com¬ 
mencing at Davenport, on the Mississippi Rivet*; thence down said 
river to the south line of the State; thence west on said State line 
to the south-west corner of Appanoose county ; thence north to» the 
south side of Marshall county, leaving the town of Knoxville; 
thence east on the south line of Marshall county to the Iowa River; 
thence down said river to Iowa City; thence on the line of the rail¬ 
road to Davenport, leaving Davenport and Iowa City in the Upper 
Iowa Conference, and the intermediate places in the Iowa Confer¬ 
ence, It is divided into six Districts and seventy-three Stations, 
Circuits and Missions, with eighty-ti roe traveling Preachers in full 
connection, and six on probation. The last session of the Confer¬ 
ence was held at Keokuk, Iowa, commencing September 14th, 1864, 
Bishop Janes presiding, Rev. E. H. Waring Secretary. 

The Upper Iowa Annual Conference is bounded as follows, to-wit : 
Beginning at the north-east-corner of the State; thence down the 
Mississippi River to Davenport; thence west ward by the line of the 
Iowa Conference to the south-east corner of Story county; thence 
due north to the State line; thence east on said line to the place of 
beginning, and is divided into six Districts and eighty-nine Stations, 
Circuits and Missions, with one hundred and two traveling Preach¬ 
ers in full connection, and nine on probation. The last session of 
the Conference was held at Waterloo, commencing September 21st, 
1864, Bishop Scott presiding, Rev. R W. Keeler Secretary. 

The Des Moines Conference includes all that part- of the State o^ 
Iowa not included in the Iowa and Upper Iowa Conferences, and the 
Dakota Mission, in Dakota Territory. It is divided into six Dis¬ 
tricts and fifty-eight Stations, Circuits and Missions, with fifty-five 
traveling Preachers in full connection, and nine on probation. The 
Conference has held but one session, which w*as at Clarinda, Page 
county, commencing on the 81st d^y of August, A. D. 1864, Bishop 
E. S. Janes presiding, Rev. J. F. Goolman, Secretary. 


STATISTICS OF THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH IN THE STATE OF IOWA IN THE YEAR A. D. 1864. 


CHURCHES. 



.!' 485 330721 3690 1 ! 651 ]6376 135358 ,91245 251 ! 445,500 106;63,925| j 106,633 >l,169.isl 12,4431 368.91 1010 96| 421.21 

Our correspondent, who furnished the above statistics did not. give us the official reports of each Confer¬ 
ence in which the Church Stations arc named, consequently we cannot give them. This omission is not so 
important when we remember the fact that stated religious services in this denomination are to be found in 
almost every neighborhood. 









































































































124 


DESCRIPTION OF IOWA, 


PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH— (Old School.) 


SYNOD OF IOWA. 


Benton county—Vinton, Unity, Shi- 1 Jackson county—Andrew, Canton' 


loh, Buckeye. 

Black Hawk county—Cedar Valley. 
Bremer county—Waverly, Wilson’s 
Grove, Le Roy. 

Buchanan county — Independence, 
Fail-bank. 

Butler county—Clarksville. 

Cedar county—Tipton, Mechanics- 
ville, Red Oak. 

Chickasaw county—Fredericksburg. 
Clayton county—Farmersburg. 


Clinton county—De Witt 
Delaware county—Hopkinton, York, 

Wayne, Mt, Hope. jPowesheik county—Montezuma 

Dubuque county—Dubuque, Cascade, Scott county—Davenport, Walcott, 


Bellevue, Maquoketa, Farmer ’ 8 
Creek, Mineral Creek. 

Jasper county—Newton. 

Johnson county—Iowa City. 

Jones—Fairview. 

Kossuth county—Kossuth. 

Linn county—Cedar Rapids, Marion, 
Springville, Mt. Vernon, Linn 
Grove, Sand Prairie. 

Muscatine county—Muscatine, Sum¬ 
mit, Long Grove, Wilton. 
Pottawattamie county — Council 
Bluffs, Big Grove. 


Epworth. Peosta. 

Hamilton county—Grove Church 
Hardin county—Berlin. 

Howard county—Lime Springs, For- 
reston 


Blue Grass, Le Claire, Princeton. 
Tama county—Toledo, Rock Creek, 
Corinth, West Irving, Bucking¬ 
ham. 

Webster county—Ft. Dodge. 


Iowa county—Millersburg, South Winnesheik county—Frankville. 

Ridge. I 

In counties not designated—Herman. Sugar Creek, Sperril’s Mount, 
Prairie, Pisgah, Pleasant Point, and Unity. 


SYNOD OF SOUTHERN IOWA. 


Adair county—Hebron, 

Black Hawk county—Beaver Valley 
Cedar County—Loudon, Pioneer. 


Louisa county—Wapello, 
Ononwa, Unity. 

Lucas county—Chariton. 


Oakland) 


Clarkecounty—Osceola, WhiteBre.ist , 1 Madison county— Winterset, St 


Liberty, 

Crawford county—Crawford Mission. 
Davis county—Troy. 

Decatur county—Garden Grove. 

Des Moines county — Burlington, 
Round Prairie, Middletown, Spring 
Creek, Pleasant Grove. 

Fayette county—Auburn. 

Henry county—Salem, Trenton, New 
London, Round Grove, Mt. Pleas¬ 
ant, Wayne. 

Jefferson county—Fairfield, Salina. 

Libertyville, Locust Grove. 

Keokuk county—Sigourney, Lafay¬ 
ette, Martinsburg 


Charles. 

Mahaska county—Oskaloosa, Agrico¬ 
la, White Oak. 

Marion county—Knoxville, Pella, 
Columbia. 

Mills county—Glenwood. 

Monroe county—Albia. 

Page county-Clarinda, Hawleysville. 

Polk county—Des Moines. 

Taylor county—Bedford. 

Van Buren county—Keosauqua, 
Bentousport, Birmingham. 

Wapello county—Ottumwa, Eddy- 
ville, Kirkville, Spring Creek. 

Warren county—Indianola 


Lee county—Keokuk, Union, Frank- 1 1 Washington county— Washington, 
lm, Centre, West Point, Sharon,! Crawfordsville, Brighton. 

Pilot Grove, Westminster. ! Wayne county—Corydon. 

I he following statistics were taken from the annual report to the General 
Assembly in May 1863 : 

Number of Churches in both synods. 153 

“ Communicants in both synods.6,517 

Ministers in both synods..... 94 













CHUKCHBe. 


125 


The following is the aggregate of contributions in both svnods for one 
year: 

Congregational purposes. .$33,068 00! Churoh extension. 171 00 

Domestic missions. 680 001 Disabled min’s fund. 68 00 

Foreign missions. 666 00 Miscellaneous. 988 00 

Education. 341 00 - 

Publication. 310 00 Total.$36,492 00 

German Presbyterian Churches —(O. S .)—At Muscatine, Buffalo in 
Scott connty, Hebron in Adair county, Dubuque and Dyersville in Du¬ 
buque County, Waukon and Lycurgus in Alamakee county, and MoGre- 
gor in Clayton county. 


PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH—(New School ) 


The whole State is embraced in one Synod, called the “Synod of 
Iowa,” and is composed of six Fresbyteries, viz: Des Moines, Keo¬ 
kuk, Iowa City, Dubuque, Chariton, and Cedar Valley. The first 
Presbytery (Des Moines) was organized in 1845. 

There are Churches in the following places, as per report in 1863: 


Madison county—Winterset. 

Des Moines county—YellowSprings. 

Story county—Swede Point. 

Dallas county—Adel. 

Jones county—Wyoming. 

Fayette county—Clermont. 

Keokuk county—White Pigeon. 

Mahaska county—Scott. 

Appanoose county — Centerville, 
Unionville. 

Davis county—Troy, Olivet, Shu- 
nem, and West Grove. 

Black-Hawk county—Cedar Falls, 
Cedar Valley, and Waterloo. 

Benton county—Vinton, Yankee 
Greve, and Benton. 

Hardin county—Iowa Falls, Steam¬ 
boat Rock, and Pt. Pleasant 

Lee county—Keokuk, Croton, and 
Union. 

Franklin county—Otisville, Mays- 
ville, and Franklin. 


No. of organized Churches. 55 

“ “ communicants.2,100 

“ “ ministers. 53 

Paid to Home Missions.$963 


Muscatine county—Muscatine, Yel¬ 
low Springs, Pleasant Prairie, 
West Liberty, and Atalissa. 

Clinton county—Camanche, Wheat- 
land, Lyons, Clinton, and Clar¬ 
ence. 

Powesheik county—Brooklyn and 
Malcolm. 

Linn county—Cedar Rapidsand Cen¬ 
ter Point 

Johnson county—Iowa City, Provi¬ 
dence, and Oxford. 

Dubuque county—Dubuque. 

Polk county—Des Moines 

Marshall county—Marshalltown. 

Jasper county—Newton. 

Guthrie county—Panora 

Sac county—Sac City. 

Bremer county—Janesville. 

Iowa county—Marengo. 

Warren county—Three Rivers, and 


Indianola 

Paid to Foreign Missions.$232 

“ for Education. 410 

“ “ Publication. 400 

“ to General Assembly. 118 


UNITED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 

The whole State is embraced in one Synod, called the Synod of Iowa, 
whioh is divided into four Presbyteries—Des Moines, Keokuk, L« Claire 























126 


DESCRIPTION OR. IOWA. 


and Nebraska, the latter including f 
in Nebraska. 

In the Presbytery of Des Moines tl 
Oskalooss, Mahaska county. 
Summerset, Warren county. 
Boonsbom, Boone county. 

Centrevi! 3, Appanoose county. 
Promise City, Wayne county. 

Albia, Monroe county. 

In the Presbytery of Keokuk, the 

Washington, Washington county. 
Columbus City, Louisa county, 
Crawfordsvillc, Washington county. 
Morning San, Louisa county. 
Grandview, Louisa county. 
Talleyrand, Keokuk county. 

B ; '•uitighnm. Van Buren county. 

Ml. Sterling, Van Buren county. 
Keokuk, Lee county. 

Harrison. » 

In the Presbytery of Le Claire, tl 

De Witt. C in ton county. 

Comanche Clinton county 
Andrew. Jackson county. 

La Motto, Jackson county. 

Le Claire. Scott county. 

Iowa City. Johnson county. 

Cascade, Dubuque county. 

Barclay. Black Hawk county. . 
Scotch Grove, Jones county. 

Wilton, Mu catine county. 

In the Presbytery of Nebraska, th 

College Springs, Page county. 
Ciarinda, Page county. 


ar churches in Minnesota ar d four 

:re are the following churches : 

Half Way Prairie, Monroe county. 
Des Moines, Polk county. 

Wintersot, Madison county. 
Knoxville, Marion county. 

Monroe, Jasper county. 


following churches : 

Mt. Pleasant, Henry county. 

New London. Hoary county. 
Brighton, Washington county. 
Ainsworth, Washington county. 
Dolgeville, I>cs Moines county. 
Millersburg, Iowa county. 
Middletown, Des Moines county. 
Sugar Creek. 

Grand Prairie. 


following churches : 

Vinton, Benton county. 
Wyoming, Jones county. 
Clarence, Cedar county. 
West Union. Payette county. 
Kingston. 

Pleasant Unity. 

Tranquility. 

Fairfax. 

Linn Grove. 

Cedar Prairie. 

following churches: 

Walnut Grove. 


Cni'ages —There is a flourishing College under the control of this de¬ 
nomination. at Washington, Washington county, Iowa. 

The following are the statistics for 1863: 


Number of Ministers in the State. 45 

“ Congregations . 09 

“ Families. 1.515 

“ Communicants.3,278 


Contributions to 

Home missions.$ 

Foreign missions. 

Education. 

Publication. 

Church extension. 

Assembly's fund. 


413 

605 

46 

39 

25 

15 


00 

00 

00 

00 

00 

00 


Synod’s fund. 110 00 

Salaries, by Congregations 10.055 00 
Salaries, by gen’l assembly 2,130 00 
General contributions.... 4,410 00 


Total 


$17,360 00 


















127 


CHURCHES. 

PROTECT*XT EPISCOPAL CHURCH. 


T)ICCK.SE or [|>W. 4 , 


Fi*om the journal of the proceedings of (hr 


h ! i 


Convention ot tins denomination, lit;hi at Lyons. in _\ia 


veil! li 
A1 


find Parishes reported in tlie Hollowing places: 


u i 

60 i 


ual 
o e 


Nevada, Story County. 
Iowa Centre, “ . *• ’ ' 

Tipton, Cedar 

Durant, “ 

Cedar Rapids, Linn 
Burlington, Des Moines 
Lyons, 

De Witt, 

Clinton, 

Keokuk, 

Montrose, 

Ft. Madison 
Ottumwa, 

Anamosa, 

Mt. Pleasant 
Des Moines, 

Bloomfield, 

Muscatine, 

Iowa City, 

Washington 


Clinton 

u 

CC 

Lee 

cc 

cc 

Wapello 
Jones 
Henry 
Polk 
Davis 
Muscatine 
Johnson 
Washington 


<; 
cc 
cc 
u 
cc 
c c 
cc 
cc 
cc 
cc 
cc 
cc 
cc 
cc 
cc 
cc 
cc 
cc 


Jackson 

v 4 

Bremer' 

Mahaska 

Madison 

Dubuque 


Conn 


*y- 


Claytos 


Independence,Buchanan 

Bishop of the Diocese, Right Rev. Henry W. Lee, D.B. 
of Communicants, 115L—Number of Sabbath Sch< ol Scholars 


Maquoketa, 

Bellevue, 

Waverly, 

•Oskaloosa, 

Wi nterset, 

Dubuque, ■ 

Worthington, 

McGregor, 

Davenport (2), Scott 
Buffalo, 

Iieosauqua 
Lansing, 

Waukon, 

Cedar Falls, 

Waterloo, 

Council Bluffs, Pottawattamie 
Fayette, Fayette 

Fairfield, Jefferson 

Fort Dodge, Webster 

Sioux City, Woodbury 

Goshen. 

N umber 

1817. 


Van Buren 
Alamakee 

CC 

Black Hawk 

iC 


* C 

c c 
cc 
cc 
u 


a 

cc 

Cc 

cc 
i c 
cc 
cc 


Number of Families, 1070.—Contributions to M sslons, $164; to 
Bishop's Fund, $071; to other objects, $20,184. 



128 


DESCRIPTION OF IOWA 


CHAPTER XX. 

OFF [Cl A L VOTE OF IOWA FOR THE PAST TEN YEARS. 


The following tables of tho votes cast in the State for the past ten 
years are taken from the official records in the office of tho Secretary of 
State: 


COUNTIES. 

1855 

1S56 

1857 

1S5S 

1S59 

C. D. R. IMP. 

PRESIDENTIAL 

GOVKBNOR 

s’r or STATE 

GOVERNOR 

McKay. 

Tisdale. 

| Fremont.. 

Buchanan . 

1 

Fillmore. 

jLowe (rep.). 

1 

M 

V 

3 

c a 

"2 

<* 

B 

o 

Sells, (rep.) . 

iDouglass, (dein.) 

1 

K 

2 

O 

O 

Q- 

/— s 

*1 

y 

1 

Dodge, (dem.)... ^ 

Adair. 


11 

72 

27 

4 

40 

25 

86 

65 

120 

7$ 

Adams. 

6 

56 

113 

73 

3 

90 

* 65 

127 

90 

177 

l2 -i 

Alamakee . 

1S4 

139 

64C 

560 

28 

543 

574 

CS 6 

795 

743 

102 ^ 

A ppan jose. 

334 

462 

191 

853 

487 

296 

584 

573 

1070 

626 

| 9&5 

Audubon . 



28 

31 

4 

36 

44 

34 

42 

58 

6 2 

Benton . 

144 

226 

558 

426 

123 

5S9 

556 

702 

657 

914 

73 o 

Black Hawk. 

304 

276 

566 

292 

33 

476 

309 

66 4 

449 

815 

55« 

Boone . 

131 

213 

211 

359 

66 

213 

334 

2 S 6 

406 

298 

41 q 

Bremer. 

46 

122 

327 

172 

4S 

307 

228 

384 

318 

417 

43 3 

Butler. 

8 

42 

223 

141 

28 

196 

150 

347 

245 

474 

24 b 

Buchanan . 

156 

802 

709 

843 

21 

560 

327 

692 

613 

816 

57 r 

Bn«na Vista. 










2 

6 

Calhoun. 



9 

14 


16 

16 

16 

15 

17 

i 7 

Carroll. 






18 

26 

23 

24 

80 

8 S 

Cass. 

45 

79 

132 

84 


79 

91 

170 

143 

179 

15? 

<‘edar. 

811 

347 

1115 

701 

177 

918 

694 

1047 

886 

1152 

100 * 

Cerro Gordo. 



101 

40 

1 

81 

82 

130 

46 

117 

7 i 

Cherokee. 








17 

3 

12 

7 

Chickasaw. 

94 

14 

351 

104 

52 

332 

ISO 

427 

325 

489 

30 s 

Clarke. 

183 

09 

340 

333 

77 

405 

820 

471 

392 

462 

35 o 

Clay. 








9 

9 

3 

9 

i layton. 

483 

204 

1420 

754 

67 

949 

719 

1493 

11.54 

1630 

l42 9 

< iinton. 

609 

£69 

1245 

839 

142 

1157 

991 

1417 

1360 

1605 

152} 

Crawford. 



36 

8 


46 

27 

46 

30 

45 

5 5 

Balias. 

24S 

169 

4S7 

319 

20 

418 

380 

430 

397 

530 

448 

Davis. 

831 

484 

201 

1019 

751 

250 

6S7 

608 

1104 

715 

lUj 

Decatur. 

274 

94 

243 

583 

1S3 

240 

494 

280 

577 

390 

77l 

Delaware . 

411 

265 

801 

500 

149 

523 

399 

749 

690 

844 

894 

Des Moines. 

1218 

799 

1838 

1413 

522 

1462 

1405 

1310 

1417 

1704 

1923 

Dubuque. 

78S 

1448 

1322 

2427 

226 

999 

24821 

1412 

2937 

1751 

2153 

Dickinson. 


6 




9 

8 

35 

10 

31 

15 

Emmett. 










18 

5 

Fayette. 



1043 

452 

117 

592 

344 

1094 

662 

1102 

849 

Floyd. 

29 

17 

324 

124 

14 

344 

211 

494 

246 

495 

26l 

Franklin. 



110 

32 


70 

321 

149 

56 

201 

51 

Fremont. 

161 

129 

155 

203 

10S 

223 

273! 

246 

373 

293 

504 

Greene. 

29 

82 

74 

117 


51 

119 

102 

123 

126 

146 

Grundy. 



65 

2 


59 

4 1 

88 

18 

110 

17 

Guthrie. 

73 

96 

196 

205 

12 

168 

192 1 

220 

229 

257 

263 

Hamilton. 






149 

92 

207 

109 

192 

105 

Hancock. 








21 

6 

19 

14 

Harr Don. 

85 

72 

171 

121 

9 

150 

19S 

191 

236 

297 

351 

H irtlin . 

142 

87 

559 

195 

18 

435 

289 

570 

413 

645 

453 

H nry. 

1272 

398 

1766 

767 

807 

1632 

829 

1542 

852 

1596 

99S 

H sw-iid. 



207 

63 


189 

127 

316 

214 

336 

279 

Humboldt . 






66 

10 

57 

14 

49 

29 

Ida. 








5 

4 

4 

3 

Iowa. 

810 

90 

492 

326 

79 

466 

360 

5S0 

471 

765 

549 

Jackson . 

981 

779 

1162 

1334 

276 

872 

1019 

1140 

1500 

12781 

1477 
































































































































OFFICIAL VOTE 


129 


OFFICIAL VOTE OF IOWA— Continued. 


COUNTIES. 



Jasper.. 

436, 

205 

87S 

455 

Jefferson. 

651! 

822 

1188 

1023 

Jones. 

508 

420 i 

964 

663 

Johnson . 

822 

499. 

1215 

961 

Keoknk. 

386 

585 

895 

830 

Kossuth. 



84 

12 

Linn. 

925 

573 

1652 

971 

Louisa. 

699 

3861 

993 

642 

Lucas. 

193* 

2301 

2SS 

355 

Lee . 

1434 ! 

1107 

1780 

2158, 

Madison. 

126 

304 

580! 

519! 

Mahaska. 

802 

545! 

1224 1 

940 

Marion. 

650 

935 

1069 

1322 

Marshall. 

127 

112 

531! 

J 99 

Mills. 

151 

120 

2S7 

153 

Mitchell. 

6 

91 

846 

135 

Monona . 

! 


41 

56 

Monroe. 

310, 

332 

622 

603 

Montgomery. 

10 

5 

63 

58 

Muscatine. 

6S0 

572, 

1091 

895! 

Page. 

7 

78 

100 

171J 

Palo Alto. 





Pottawattamie ... 

163 

150 

259 

353 

Plymouth. 





Pocahontas. 





Polk... 

505 

462 

1065 

889 

Powesheik. 

13S 

43 

459 

254 

Ringgold. 



92 

52 

Scott. 

1062 

716 

1675 

1119 

8helby . 

11 

62 

19 

Story . 

123 

44 

232 

272 

Sac. 



26 

35 

Tama. 

110 

37 

470 

206 

Taylar. 


70 

119 

183 

Union . 

6 

50 

102 

121 

Van Buren. 

1010 

848 

1093 

, 1396 

Wapello. 

790 

791 

1098 

; 1175 

Warren. 

619 

115 

855 

! 518 

Washington. 

788 

511 

1187 

1 629, 

Wright. 



51 

| 24 

Wavne. 

19 

34 

1S3 

i 363 

Webster. 

90 

93 

3S9 

269 

Winnebago. 





Winne-heik. 

106 

125 

770 

209 

Woodbury. 


33 



Worth. 






24743 20006 45196 37663 


83 727| 

206 1151! 
10 787| 

282 1163 
10*j 879! 

I 70 
273, 1214 
200' 959! 

176 399 

650, | 

61 1 491 
268 1027 
224 809 


104 

102 

1 

13 

9S 

17 

327 

169 

85 


416 

183 

437 

49 

610 

69 

1140 

128 

205 


92 1115 
87| 473 


64 

327 

79 

70 

31 

17 


90 
1717 
38 
217 
8 

303 

222 

88 


424 
960 
708 
1193 
780, 
45! 
993 
669 
396: 

533 ^ 
846, 
1131! 
142 
213 
416 
85 
548 
56 
1105 
206 

463 


879 

296 

43 

1399 

33 

243 

43 

174 

168 

115 


839, 
1028 
6341 
1390 
7271 
721 
1445| 
1127 
432 
1850 
578 
1024 
1179 
712 
810 
416 
77 1 
549 
86 
1244 
304 

232 

24 

1055 
579 
215 
2063 
77 j 
334, 

31 1 
535 

277| 

119 


4^9 

856 

784 

13S4 

689 

31 

1111 

836 
375 
2251 j 
613, 
839 
1323 
277 
332 
175 
79 
617 
83 
1063 
227 

462 


911 

364 

116 

1347 

54 

318 

37 

260 

208 

143 


946 

1282 

1161 

1602 

1025 

75 

1771 

956 

521 

2159 

651 

1212 

1256 

795 

262 

516 

105 

749 

125 

1457 

377 

3 

295 

24 

16 

1078 

595 

260 

2208 

78 

395 

28 

600 

304 

151 


322) 

1035; 

1116 

1173 

1283 

1397 

249 

8561 

1153 

984 

1149 

1016 

112 

696! 

394 

959 

620 

937 

403 

1124! 

775 

1012 

678 

1208 


60 

49 

83 

85 

80 

170 

210 

314 

344 

476 

416 

31 

269 

358 

255 

340 

252 




18 

20 

11 

13 

525 

229 

832 

535 

1022 


125 

144 

120 

167 

132 




79 

31 

98 

9679 

88498 

360S8 1 49135 

145587 

56532 


705 
1199 
1153 
1393 
1043 
87 
1345 
679 
457 
2392 
729 
1137 
1438 
442 
245 
204 
105 
66 « 
115 
1364 
333 
44 
600 
11 
17 
104S 
411 
135 
1625 
96 
858 
87 
295 
257 
193 
1402 
1260 
609 
946 
52 
535 
833 
24 
771 
163 
26 


At the election for Governor in 1857. W. T. Henry received 1004 votes, ol 
wkieb 418 were given by Davis County. 






































































































































OFFICIAL VOTE OF IGvTA —Continued 


130 


DESCRIPTION OF IOWA. 


3 i McClellan 


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OFFICIAL VOTE OF IOWA— Continued. 


OFFICIAL VOTE. 


131 


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Breckenridge 

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CM < *M n nri n n H 

COUNTIES. 

Delaware. 

Des Moines. 

Dickinson . 

Dubuque. 

Emmett. 

Fayette. 

Floyd. 

Franklin. 

Fremont . 

Green . 

Grundy. . 

Guthrie . . 

Hamilton .. 

Hancock . 

Hardin . 

Harrison . .. 

Henry. 

Howard. 

Humboldt . 

Tda . 

Iowa . 

Jackson . 

J asper . 

Jefferson . 

Johnson . 

Jones . 

Keokuk . 










































































































OFFICIAL VOTE OF IOWA— Continued. 


132 


description OF IOWA 


T* 

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Lincoln. 

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CIINth 1 - 11—1 r-l T—« f—» 

1863 

FOR GOVERNOR 

J M Tuttle ... 

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r— CO rH CO CO Cl CC CO D CO *D D O D Hf D* Hi -r* r-« ^ 

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(N r—< t—• rH rH i—j 

W. M. Stone 

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FOR GOVERNOR 

Samuels . 

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Kirkwood. 

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Breckenridge 

Orlrl (DOfflOOOO C"1 g — 

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John Bell. 

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Douglas. 

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01 S £2 22 cs cm r-t-T-oot/sr 

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Lincoln. 

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rl r-l r* r-l r-l 

C0UNTIE3. 

Kossuth . 

Lee. 

Linn. 

Louisa. 

Lucas . 

hyon . 

Madison .I 

Mahaska . 

Marion . 

M arshall . 

Mil's . 

Mitchell . 

Monona . 

Monroe . 

Montgomery . 

M uscatine . 

O’Brien . 

Osceola . 

Page . 

Palo Alto . 

Plymouth . 

Pocahontas . 

Polk ... 

Pottawattamie . 

Powesheik . 

Ringgold . 

Sac . 


Sac 









































































































1315! 26741 1403 


OFFICIAL VOTE, 


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134 


description OF IOWA 



CHAPTER XXI. 


PLACES OF NATIVITY OF THE POPULATION OF IOWA. 


We extract from the National Almanac for 1864 the following 
table showing the places of birth of the population of Iowa, in the 
several States in the Union, in 1860: 


Alabama. 214 

Arkansas. 150 

California.... . 127 

Connecticut. 4,084 

Delaware. 830 

Florida. 26 

Georgia. 262 

Illinois. 26,696 j 

Indiana. 57.555! 

Iowa.191,148 

Kansas. 83 

Kentucky. 13,204 

Louisiana. 281 j 

Maine. 3,151! 

Maryland. 4,663 j 

Massachusetts. 6.214 

Michigan. 4,393 j 

Minnesota. 4-32 

Mississippi. 130 

Missouri. 5,931 


New Hampshire. 3,287 

New Jersey. 4.114 

New York. 46,053 

North Carolina. 4,690 

Ohio. 99,240 

Oregon. 13 

Pennsylvania. 52,156 

Rhode Island. 723 

South Carolina.’ 554 

Tennessee. 5,773 

Texas. 59 

Vermont. 7.581 

Virginia. 17,944 

Wisconsin. 5,121 

District of Columbia.. 125 

Territories. 202 

At sea. 105 

Not stated. 1,498 


Total....377,684 


Of the foreign born population in Iowa, in 1860, there were, of 
the 106,081, born in 


British America. 8,313j 

Denmark. 66L 

England.11,522 

France. 2.421 

German States.38,555 

Holland. 2,615 

Ireland.28,072] 


'Norway. 5,688 

Poland". 100 

Scotland.2,895 

Sweden. . 1.465 

Switzerland. 2,519 

Wales. 913 


Iowa has contributed to other States and Territories of persons 
born in the State 37,535—of these 


California has. 


Nevada. 


Illinois. 


Ohio. 


Indiana. 


Oregon.. 


Kansas. 


Colorado Territory. 

.1;030 

Minnesota. 

.1,623 

Utah. 


Missouri. 











































































BANKS. 


135 


CHAPTER XXII. 

BANKING INSTITUTIONS IN IOWA. 

% NATIONAL BANKS. 

£1®* m. Name of Bank. Capital Stock. 

-lot 1 no First National Bank of Burlington.$100,000 

E! 1 ® ‘‘ “ “ Cedar Rapids. 75.000 

mi he £} ty “ “ Cedar Rapids. lOOiOOO 

due First “ “ Centreville. 50,000 

.}.% m! ie U “ “ Davenport. 100.000 

“ “ Decorah. 50.000 

P ie <l “ “ Des Moines. 50,000 

4So The Second “ “ Des Moines. 50,000 

ol/ The First “ “ Dubuque... 100.000 

The “ “ “ Iowa City. 50,000 

8° The “ “ “ Keokuk. 50,000 

40.) The “ “ “ Lansing. 50,000 

The “ “ “ Lyons.. 00,000 

117 The “ “ “ Marion. 50,000 

Jll The “ “ “ Marshalltown. 50^000 

323 The “ “ “ McGregor. 50,000 

290 The “ “ “ Mt. Plearant. 75,000 

147 The “ “ “ Oskaloosa. 50,000 

107 The “ “ “ Ottumwa. 50,000 

398 The “ “ “ Washington . 50,000 

The “ “ “ Newton. 50,000 

BRANCHES OF STATE BANK OF IOWA. 

. Capital Stock. Safety Fund. 

Burlington Branch, Burlington.$150,000 $35.500 00 

Council Bluffs “ Council Bluffs. 50,000 12.500.00 

Davenport “ Davenport. 60,000 25.000.00 

Des Moines “ Des Moines. 78,000 19,500.00 

Dubuque “ Dubuque. 150.000 36.305 54 

Ft. Madison “ Ft. Madison. 77,000 19.000 00 

Iowa City “ Iowa City. 60.000 13.000.00 

Keokuk, “ Keokuk... 80.000 20,000.00 

Lyons City “ Lyons. 50,000 12,500.00 

Maquoketa “ Maquoketa. 25.000 7,700 00 

McGregor “ McGregor . 50.000 7,000.00 

Mt. Pleasant “ * Mt Pleasant. 50.000 13.000.00 

Muscatine “ Muscatine. 42.000 6 000.00 

Oskaloosa “ Oskaloosa. 50,000 12,000.00 

Washington “ Washington. 50,000 10,400.00 

(Tne State Banks are about changing into National Banks.) 


CHAPTER XXIII. 

RAILROADS IN TIIE STATE. 

A special description of the Railroads in the State will be found 
in the “Traveller’s Guide,” near the close of the book. A general 
view of the past, present, and future of these roads, so far as we 
could obtain them, will be found below, commencing with the most 
northern road. 







































136 


DESCRIPTION OF IOWA. 


MCGREGOR WESTERN RAILWAY. 

The following statement in regard to this road wns furnished 
by S. Connover Esq., Chief Engineer: “This road commences at 
McGregor, on the Mississippi river, opposite Prairie Du Chein, 
the terminus of the Milwaukee and Prairie Du Chein railroad, 
passing through the counties of Clayton, Winnesheik, Howard 
and Mitchell to the State line, there connecting with the Minnesota 
Central railroad, which is being constructed from St. Paul. It is 
also the intention of this company to construct a road directly 
west, across the State, on or near the 43d parallel, the lines sepa¬ 
rating some forty or fifty miles west of the Mississippi river. To 
aid in the construction of the road Congress granted a large 
amount of public lands, embracing the alternate sections of all 
the unoccupied lands for twenty miles on either side of the line of 
the road. 

“ The work was commenced on this road about eighteen months 
ago, and we now run our cars to Ossian, a distance of forty miles, 
and will soon complete the road to Decorah, the county seat of 
Winuesheik county, a distance of sixty miles from the Mississippi 
river. It is the company's intention to commence operations next 
season on the line westward, and at no distant day reach the coal 
field in the valley of the Des Moines. The road will pass through 
a very fine agricultural country, perhaps unsurpassed by any 
other alignment of road in the State. 

“ We connect at the Mississippi with the Milwaukee and Prairie 
Du Chein railroad for Milwaukee, and the Chicago and North¬ 
western railroad for Chicago. When our northern line is com¬ 
pleted in connection with the Minnesota Central, it will make the 
shortest and most practicable route from Chicago to St. Paul. The 
river at this point is favorable for bridging, and a project with 
that view is in contemplation." 

DUBUQUE AND SIOUX CITY RAILROAD. 

The following information has been furnished by Hon. W. W. 
Hamilton, Treasurer of this road: “This railroad was projected 
in 1854, and in 1856 became one of the four land grant roads, 
under an act of Congress donating to the company the alternate 
sections of land within six miles of the line. The preliminary 
line was surveyed in 1856, commencing at Dubuque and passing 
through the counties of Dubuque, Delaware, Buchanan, Blackhawk, 
Grundy, Butler, Franklin, Hardin, Hamilton, Webster, Pocahontas, 
Calhoun, Buena Vista, Cherokee and Plymouth, to Sioux City, in 
Woodbury county, on the Missouri river, three hundred and 
twenty-three miles west of Dubuque. The land grant consisted of 
1,226,163 acres. 

“ The construction was commenced in 1856, and in January 1858 
the road was opened to Earlville in Delaware county, forty miles 
from Dubuque. The next year it was extended to Jessup in 
Buchanan county, and in the spring of 1861 it was continued to 


RAILROADS' 


137 


Cedar Falls, Blackhawk county, one hundred miles from Dubuque. 
It is now under contract to Iowa Falls, on (he Iowa river in 
Hardin county, one hundred and fifty miles from the Mississippi. 
The grading is mostly done, thirty-one miles of the distance from 
Cedar Falls being ready for the iron, and the depot buildings in 
process of construction. 

“ At Fort Dodge, about two hundred miles west of Dubuque in 
Webster county, this road will cross the line of the DesMoines 
Valley railroad, which will run northward to the line of Minne¬ 
sota. 

“ From Fort Dodge it is contemplated to re-locate the line, passing 
through Calhoun and Sac counties, and thence south-westerly 
through Ida and Woodbury counties into Monona county to the 
wide bottom lands of the Missouri river, and thence up the valley 
to Sioux City. This route will favor a connection with the Sioux 
City and Missouri River railroad, recently incorporated as a land 
grant road under a recent act of Congress. The connection when 
made will furnish Wisconsin, Minnesota and Novthern Iowa the 
shortest communication with Colorado, Utah, Nevada and Cali¬ 
fornia. 

“The growth of towns and the increased value of real estate 
has been largely promoted by the extension of this road. The 
annual earnings, shown by the following figures, also indicate the 
rapid settlement of the counties, to which market facilities have 
thus been extended, and show what may be expected when the 
road reaches the thinly settled counties in the western part of the 
State. 


Year. Earnings. 

1S5« . .St fi9 S1Q fiR... 

Increase, j 

Year. Earnings. 
1862,.. 228.559.53 

IftnQ . . <19(1 IQ.. 

1863,'.. 276 197.40 

1860.. . 121,025.95- 

1861.. . 199,410 11.... 


1864,.. 390j146.84 


CEDAR VALLEY AND MINNESOTA RAILROAD. 


Increase. 
29,149.42 
47.637 87 
113,940.44 


This road commences on the line of the Dubuque and Sioux City 
road at Waterloo and has recently been constructed and opened 
fourteen miles to Waverly, in Bremer county. It will be extended 
through Chickasaw. Floyd and Mitchell counties to the line of 
Minnesota, where it will connect with a land grant railroad 
extending to St. Paul, Minnesota. 

DUBUQUE SOUTH-WESTERN RAILROAD. 

This road commences on the line of the Dubuque and Sioux City 
road at Farley, twenty-two miles from Dubuque, and runs through 
Jones county to Cedar Rapids in Linn county, where it connects 
with the Chicago, Iowa & Nebraska railroad. It is in operation 
to Marion, within five miles of Cedar Rapids, 


CEDAR RAPIDS & MISSOURI RIVER RAILROAD COMPANY. 

This company was organized in Cedar Rapids, on the 14th day of 
June, 1859. A line of road from Chicago, crossing the Mississippi 












138 


DESCRIPTION OF IOWA. 


river at Clinton, had then recently been completed to Cedar 
Rapids a distance of two hundred and twenty miles. The new 
company was organized to extend the line to the Missouri river, 
two hundred and fifty miles further. 

In 1SG0, the Legislature conferred upon this company, a grant 
of some 800,000 or 900,000 acres of land, which had been given by 
the General Government, to aid in building a railroad across the 
State near the 42nd parallel of latitude. In order to encourage 
and hasten the completion of the road to the Missouri river, and a 
connection with the Union Pacific Railway, the last Congress 
increased this grant of land, so that it now includes about 1,400,- 
000 acres. 

The work of constructing the road was not commenced until 
March, 1861. Since that time, notwithstanding the war, and the 
disordered financial condition of the country, it has been prose¬ 
cuted with an energy and success rarely equaled, and never sur¬ 
passed. One hundred miles, to Nevada, in Story county, have been 
in operation for several months, and a further distance of twenty- 
four miles, is nearly completed. This will bring the road to 
Boonsboro, in the Des Moines valley, which is within the great 
coal field of the State;—n distance of t wo hundred and five miles 
west from the Mississippi river, and only one hundred and twenty- 
five miles from the Missouri. 

This road with its connections, is operated to Chicago as one 
through line, by‘the Chicago and North-western Railway Co., a 
company which is now sard to control and operate more miles of 
railroad, than any other company in t he world. 

The country through which the Cedar Rapids & Missouri River 
Railroad runs, is a portion of the very best in the State. Under 
the influence of the vigorous extension of the road, it is being de¬ 
veloped with wonderful rapidity. The company has not yet dis¬ 
posed of any of its lands, but propose to olfer 400,0 '0 acres for sale 
early in 1865, on a plan similar to that adopted b} r the Illinois Cen¬ 
tral R. R. Co. It is expected that this system of selling the lands 
will add vci*y largely to the population and wealth of the coun¬ 
ties along this line, during the next few years. 

The managing officers of the company are as follows: 

President—L. B. Crocker, Oswego. N. Y. Vice-President, Chief 
Engineer and Secretary—W. W. Walker, Cedar Rapids, Iowa. 
Treasurer—C. A. Lambard, Boston, Mass. Executive Committee— 
L. B. Crocker, W. W. Walker, C. A. Lambard, John J. Blaii', Oakes 
Ames. 

The above gentlemen have been connected with the company 
since its organization, and their energy and success, speak in the 
most flattering terms of their management. It is hoped that there 
will be no delay in the progress of the work, until the road is 
eompletod across the State to the Missouri river. 


•RAILROADS. 


139 


P. S. Since the above was written, a connection has been com¬ 
pleted with the Illinois branch by means of a well constructed 
bridge over the Mississippi river. 

MISSISSIPPI AND MISSOURI RIVER RAILROAD. 

This road was commenced about ten years since at Davenport, 
and on the first day of January, 1856, it was opened as far west 
as Iowa City, a distance of fifty-six miles. The track is now laid 
to a point eight miles east of Newton, in Jasper county, a distance 
of one hundred and thirty-nine miles from the Mississippi river at 
Davenport. There is an important branch of this road, which 
unites at Wilton Junction, running through the city of Muscatine 
to Washington in Washington county, which is fi!ty-one miles in 
length. At Davenport a close connection is made with the Chi¬ 
cago & Rock Island railroad, by means of a magnificent bridge over 
the Mississippi river. 

The line of this road is to run from its present terminus, through 
the counties of Jasper, Polk, (making DesMoines a point,) Dallas, 
Guthrie, Audubon and Shelby, to Council Bluffs, in Pottawattamie 
county. It is progressing daily towards the Capital of the 
State, which point it will reach in about eighteen months. This 
road has large grants of lands from Congress. 

The principal business office of the company is at Davenport, 
Iowa, and its management is in the hands of efficient men. 

4 

BURLINGTON & MISSOURI RIVER RAILROAD. 

The Burlington & Missouri River Railroad company was incor¬ 
porated by a preliminary meeting of some of the principal citizens 
of Burlington, Iowa, on the 15th of January, 1852, but did not 
complete its organization nor become an efficient company before 
the 25th of November, 1853, though preliminary surveys were 
commenced for said road as early as July, 1853. The first seventy- 
five miles of the road, i. e., from Burlington on the Mississippi 
river to Ottumwa, on the Des Moines i iver, were located and the 


building of it commenced on the 22d of March 
completed and thrown open to the public use, 

i, 1854. 

It was 

To Danville 

( from Burlington) 

13 miles, - 

March, 

1856. 

Mt. Pleasant 

a U 

28 “ 

Julv, 

1856. 

Checnuqua 

a a 

35 “ 

June, 

1857, 

Fairfield 

a a 

51 “ 

August, 

1858. 

Ottumw r a 

a a 

75 “ 

August, 

1859. 


On the 15th of May 1856, Congress passed an act granting in 
trust to the State of Iowa, a very large amount of lands, to aid in 
the construction ot certain specified railroads, of which the B. & 
M. R. R. R. was one. The trust was accepted by the State, and an 
act passed by the General Assembly to carry the same into effect, 
on the 14th of July, 1856. On the 25tli of the same month the B. 
& M. R. R. R. company accepted its portion of said gi ant, which 
at that time amounted to 287,099 acres situated as follows, to wit: 


140 


DESCRIPTION OF IOWA, 


County. 
Des Moines . 

Henry. 

Jefferson... 
Washington 


Acres. | County. 
120 Marion ... 
40 Wayne.... 

160 Lucas. 

28 1 Warren... 


Acres. i County. Acres. 

240 Taylor. 20,787 

1,432.Adams. 31,391 

6.528 1 Cass. 14,605 

2,593 Page. 41,218 


Davis. 1,400 Decatur. 1,791 'Montgomery ... 60,717 


Wapello. 
Keokuk., 
Mahaska 


214 Clark. 4.971'Fremont. 25,094 

223 Madison. 2,475 Mills. 40.613 


162 Union. 6,906 


Pottawattamie. 11,858 


Appanoose. 1,604 Ringgold. 2,235 

Monroe. 5,941'Adair. 1,753 Total....... 287,099 

These lands are situated in the most fertile and beautiful portion 
of the State. Southern Iowa presents a succession of hills and 
valleys, meandered in every direction bj numerous streams. West 
of the Des Moines river, where the great body of these railroad lands 
lie, though similar to the eastern portion of Iowa in its continuous 
succession of prairie and timber lands, the country presents never¬ 
theless a somewhat different aspect. The prairies grow more roll¬ 
ing, and the valleys are, generally speaking deeper and broader. 
As we approach the Missouri river the sub-soil appears to become 
also somewhat more pervious to water, and in consequence the 
streams are more permanent, affording everywhere an abundance 
of sweet, clear, running water. Situated in the very heart of this 
country lie these lands of the railroad company. Hound about 
them the lands are taken up in every direction. Its own lands the 
company has taken no pains to sell for the reason, that as yet it 
has not been able to extend its railroad through that region of the 
State where the great portion of them are situated, though from 
information received it appears perfectly willing to afford all nec¬ 
essary facilities, and these on the most liberal terms, to actual 


settlers. 

The Burlington & Missouri River Railroad traversing from 
East to West the finest and richest portion of Iowa—its eastern 
terminus on the Mississippi River, where it connects with Chica¬ 
go by one of the best managed and most popular reads in Illinois, 
with New York, Philadelphia and Baltimore by railroad routes 


more than fifty miles shorter than from any other pdace on the Mis¬ 
sissippi—its western terminus at the mouth of the Platte, the 
great highway of the gold minds of Nevada, Colorado, Idaho, and 
California:—appears to be destined to become soon one of the 
main links in that great chain of railroads, which, it is certain, 
will sooner or later connect the Atlantic with the Pacific. 


To show the influence which this railroad exerts in the develop¬ 
ment of that part of Iowa which it traverses, the following table 
of its traffic for the last three years is subjoined: 


1S60. 

Total number tons freight carried. 33 587 

one mile 1,824.680 

Catttle carried. 11 116 

Hogs carried. 28,687 

p or'i. «53.’623 

Llirl . 143,652 

. 1,766 


1863. 

Pr. ct. Inc' 

67,929 

2.03 

4,026,843 

2.27 

25.S41 

2.82 

185,256 

6.46 

8,773;893 

l‘i.83 

4,711,121 

32.79 

4,211 

2,30 




































DIRECTORY. 


141 


THE DBS MOINES VALLEY RAILROAD 

Was projected by the citizens of Keokuk, and is located (as its 
name indicates) in the Valley of Des Moines River—the richest 
and most extensive valley in the State. It is well supplied with 
timber and stone, and is one continuous coal bed, the veins rang¬ 
ing from 4| to 7 feet in thickness. The road is now in operation 
from Keokuk, on the Mississippi river, to Pella, in Marion county, 
a distance of 100 miles, about 30 miles of* which has been 
graded and the iron laid down during the past summer, notwith- • 
standing the unparalled high price of iron and labor; and the 
Company confidently expect to extend their Road to Des Moines 
City during the present year. Located as it is, in a south-easterly 
direction across the State, it has the double advantage of giving 
both an eastern and southern outlet to the products of interior Iowa. 
Its eastern or southern terminus being at Keokuk, one of the most 
important cities in the State, located at the foot of the Rapids of 
the Mississippi river, where it connects with railroads running to 
Chicago, Springfield, Indianapolis, St. Louis, and the East general¬ 
ly ; and also with first-class steamers on the Mississippi river, its 
importance as a thoroughfare and means of commerce cannot be 
over-estimated. Running through the richest and most populous 
portion of the State, in a region of country susceptible of the 
highest state of cultivation, with numerous and flourishing towns 
and cities on its line, and the important and direct connections 
above enumerated, it cannot fail to be one of the best paying roads 
in the State. This road has no competing line for the southern 
trade, and will be the only means of connecting the Capital with 
all projected roads across the State, uniting its eastern and west¬ 
ern boundaries. Thus far this road is the result of individual en¬ 
terprise, and the State is indebted to the energy and persevering 
efforts of the citizens of Keokuk for its existence. However, it 
has a land grant of nearly 300,000 acres (not one acre of which 
has been used or disposed of) which, with other means at its dis¬ 
posal, will secure its early completion to Fort Dodge. Its direct¬ 
ors and managers reside in Keokuk. 


TRAVELERS’ DIRECTORY FOR IOWA. 

The traveler will find below a valuable guide to direct him to 
nearly every important point in the State, which can be reached by 
Railroad or Coaches. In the summer and fall months, the stage 
roads are generally very smooth and dry, being located mostly on 
the divides between streams. The number of miles of Railroad 
completed in the State is near eight hundred, and of stage lines 
mentioned, upwards of two thousand miles, presenting a total of 
two thousand and eight hundred miles, besides several short routes 
not obtained. 



142 


DESCRIPTION OF IOWA. 


KEOKUK TO DES MOINES, MISSOURI RIVER, &C. 

The Des Moines Valley Railroad commences at Keokuk on the Mis¬ 
sissippi and terminates at present at Pella, a distance of one hun¬ 
dred and twenty miles. The principal points on the road, are Cro¬ 
ton, Farmington, Bonaparte, Bentonsport, Summit, (Keosauqua) 
Iowaville, Ottumwa, Chilicothe, Eddyville, Oskaloosa, Pella. Close 
connections are made with Eastern Railroad lines at Keokuk. 

From Eddyville , the Western Stage Company run a daily line of 
stages to Plattsmouth, on the Missouri river, through Chariton, 
forty-two miles, Osceola, thirty miles, Afton thirty miles, Quincy, 
thirty-seven miles, Red Oak, thirty miles, Glenwood, thirty-two 
mile3, Plattsmouth, ten miles—total tw r o hundred and twenty-four 
miles. 

From Pella, the same company run a line of stages daily for Des 
Moines, through Monroe and Prairie City—distance forty-five miles. 

They also connect at Pella, daily for Lewis , in Cass county, where 

a connection is made with the daily line of stages from Des Moines 

to Council Bluffs, running through Knoxville, twelve miles, Pleasant- 

viile, twelve miles, Indianola, sixteen miles, Winterset, twenty- 

eight miles, Fontanelle, thirty-five miles, Lewis, thirty miles—total, 

one hundred and thirtv-three miles. 

*> 

KEOKUK TO FT. MADISON. 

Keokuk, Mt. Pleasant and Muscatine Railroad , commences at Keokuk, 
runs through Montrose, and terminates at Ft. Madison, in Lee 
county, a distance of twenty-five miles. This road runs in connec¬ 
tion with the Packet Boats running above and below the Des 
Moines rapids on the Mississippi. 

FROM BURLINGTON TO DES MOINES, NEBRASKA CITY, &C. 

The Burlington and Missouri River Railroad commences at Burling¬ 
ton, on the Mississippi, and runs to Oltumiva , in Wapello county, a 
distance of seventy-five miles. Close connections are made with 
Eastern Railroad lines at Burlington. Connections are also made 
at Ottumwa for Pella , with the Des Moines Valley Railroad. 

From Ottumwa , the coaches of the Western Stage Company run 
daily, in connection with the railroad, for Nebraska City, through 
the southern tier of counties, as follows: Centrcville, thirty miles, 
Cory den, twenty-five miles, High Point, sixteen miles, Leon ten 
miles, Decatur, five miles, Mt, Ayr, twenty-four miles, Platteville, 
twenty-two miles, Bedford, ten miles, Cla'rinda, twenty-tour miles’, 
Sidney, thirty-eight miles, Nebraska City, fifteen miles—total, two 
hundred and nineteen miles. 

DAVENPORT TO DES MOINES, OMAHA CITY, &C. 

The Mississippi and Missouri River Railroad, commences at Daven¬ 
port, on the Mississippi, and is completed at present to Grinnell, in 
I ov« esheik county, a distance of one hundred and twenty-five miles, 
running through the counties of Scott, Muscatine, (part of Cedar), 
Johnson, Iowa and Powesheik. The principal points on the road, 




DIRECTORY. 


14S 


are Wilton, West Liberty, Downey, Iowa City , Homestead, Marengo 
Brooklyn and Grinnell. Close connections are made with Eastern 
Railroad lines at Davenport. This road is progressing as fast as 
possible westward, and will probably be extended twelve miles 
beyond Grinnell in a few weeks. 

A branch of this road runs from Wilton Junction to Washington, 
in Washington county, a distance of fifty one miles, through the 
city of Muscatine, and the counties of Muscatine, Louisa and Wash¬ 
ington. 

The Western Stage Company’s coaches connect daily at Grinnell 
for Des Moines and Omaha City, as follows: to Newton, twenty miles 
Des Moines, thirty-six miles, Adel, twenty-five miles, Wiscotta, ten 
miles, Morrisburg, ten miles, Dalmanutha, fifteen miles, Grove City, 
thirty miles, Lewis, ten miles, Council Blutfs, fifty miles, Omaha 
City, five miles—total, two hundred and eleven miles. 

FROM C1IIGAGO TO CEDAR RAPIDS, DES MOINES, FORT 

DODGE, &C. 

The Chicago , Iowa and Nebraska Railroad, The Cedar Rapids and 
Missouri River Railroad. The Galena , Chicago and Union Railroad. 
All operating under the name of 

The Nortii-Western Railroad Company, from Chicago to the 
Missouri River, the present (or soon to be) terminus Boonsboro , in 
Boone county, Iowa. Distance from Chicago to Boonsboro, three 
hundred and fourty-four miles. Distance from the Mississippi 
river to Boonsboro, two hundred and five miles. At this time 
(December, 1804) it is operated to Nevada, one hundred and eighty 
miles from the Mississippi. 

The Chicago, Iowa & Nebraska Railroad commences at Clinton, 
on the Mississippi, and runs to Cedar Rapids, in Linn county, 
through the counties of Clinton, Cedar and Linn. The principal 
points on the road, are DeWitt, Wheatland. Louden, Mechanicsville 
and Mt. Vernon. Distance, eighty-one miles. 

The Cedar Rapids & Missouri River Railroad commences at Cedar 
Rapids , and runs at present to Nevada. Distance one hundred 
miles. Total distance from the Mississippi river, one hundred and 
eiglity-one miles. It runs through the counties of Linn, Benton, 
Tama, Marshall and Story. The principal points on this road, are 
Blairstown, Toledo, Le Grand, Marshalltown and Nevada. 

At Nevada, the stages of the Western Stage Company connect 
daily for Des Moines —distance thirty-two miles. 

From Nevada , to Fort Dodge, Hascall’s line of stages runs daily to 
Boonsboro, twenty-five miles, through Agricultural College Farm; 
and semi-weekly from Boonsboro, by the way of Bridgeport, eight 
miles, Homer, seventeen miles, Fort Dodge, fifteen miles—total, 
sixty-five miles. 

At Clinton this railroad connects with boats on the Mississippi 
river and stages for Davenport. 

At De Witt with stages for Davenport and Maquoketa. 

At Clarence with stages for Tipton. 


144 


DESCRIPTION OF IOWA. 


At Cedar Rapids with stages for Marion, Iowa City, Vinton, 
Waterloo, Cedar Falls and Northern Iowa. 

At. Blairstown with stage for Marengo and Vinton. 

At Marshall with stages for Marietta, Iowa Falls, Fort Dodge and 
Sioux City. 

DUBUQUE TO FORT DODGE, SIOUX CITY, &C. 

The Dubuque and hioux City Railroad , commences at Dubuque, and 
runs through the counties of Dubuque, Delaware, Buchanan and 
Blackhawk. The principal points on the road are Farley, Dyers- 
ville, Manchester, Independence, Waterloo and Cedar Falls—ter¬ 
minating at present at Cedar Falls, one hundred miles from 
Dubuque. 

At Cedar Falls , Barne’s line of stages connects daily for Osage , in 
Mitchell county, as follows: To Janesville ten miles, Waverly 
six miles, Syracuse twelve miles, Nashua eight, miles, Bradford four 
miles, Charles City fifteen miles, Floyd five miles, Osage fifteen 
miles—total seventy-five miles. 

At Osage , stages connect for Austin, Faribault and St. Paul, in 
Minnesota. 

From Cedar Falls to Fort Dodge , Haskell’s line of stages runs daily, 
through New Hartford ten miles, Parkersburg eight miles, Abing- 
ton six miles, Ashley ten miles, Iowa Falls fourteen miles, Alden 
seven miles, Rose Grove fifteen miles, Webster City fourteen miles, 
Fort Dodge twenty miles—total one hundred and four miles. 

From Fort Dodge the same company run ntri-weekly lint of stages 
to Sioux City , before noticed. 

from McGregor, west and north. 

The McGregor Western Railroad commences at McGregor, on the 
Mississippi, and terminates at present at Monona, a distance of four¬ 
teen miles. 

At Monona , Walkers’ line of coaches connects daily for Clermont 
twenty miles, and West Union ten miles—where it connects with 
another line of coaches which runs tri-weekly through Fredericks¬ 
burg twenty-four miles, Williamstown seven miles, Bradford nine 
miles—total, seventy miles. 

Stages run daily from Manona to Osaga: Through Hardin six 
miles, Frankvillc twelve miles, Decorah thirteen miles, New Oregon 
twenty miles, Howard Centre fifteen miles, Osage twenty-five miles 
•—total, ninety-one miles. 

Connections are made at Decorah for Rochester , tri-weekly , by Nich¬ 
olas & Carters stages, running through Oronoke, fourteen miles, 
Elliota five miles, Carmona twenty miles, Fillmore ten miles, Pleas¬ 
ant Grove ten miles, Rochester twelve miles—total seventy-one 
miles. 

FROM COUNCIL BLUFFS—NORTH AND SOUTH. 

The Western Stage Company’s Coaches run daily from Council 
Bluffs North to Sioux City, through Calhoun thirty miles, Onawa 

thirty miles, Sioux City fifty miles—total, one hundred and ten 
miles. 




DIRECTORY. 


145 


And from Council Bluffs South , to St. Joseph , J/b., <7ai7y, through 
Glenwood twenty miles, Sidney thirty miles, Rockport. Mo., fifteen 
miles, Oregon, Mo., thirty-two miles, Fillmore, Mo., twenty-four 
miles, Savannah, Mo., seventeen miles, St, Joseph, twelve miles— 
total, one hundred and fifty miles. 

FROM DES MOINES TO FORT DODGE. 

On the East side of the Des Moines river, Hatch’s line of stages 
runs from Des Moines to Fort Dodge , every Monday, Wednesday, and 
Friday—through Saylorville seven miles, Polk City eight miles, 
Swede Point ten miles, Boonsboro fifteen miles, Mineral Ridge 
eight miles, Homer fifteen miles, Fort Dodge seventeen miles—total 
eighty miles. 

And on the West side of the river, every Tuesday and Thursday, 
through Prairie Hill thirty miles, Boonsboro ten miles, Dayton 
twenty miles, Fort Dodge twenty miles—total, eighty miles. 

FROM FORT DODGE TO ST. PAUL. 

Connections are made at Fort Dodge for St. Paul, Minnesota, in 
a mail hack, every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, connecting 
at Algona (Kossuth Co,) with stages for Spirit Lake, Estherville, 
Manketo, and St. Paul 

FROM FORT DODGE TO SIOUX CITY. 

Hascall’s line of coaches runs twice a week from Fort Dodge to 
Sioux City , by the way of Twin Lakes thirty miles, Sac City twenty 
miles, Ida thirty miles, Correctionville twenty miles, Sioux City 
forty miles—total, one hundred and forty miles. 

SIOUX CITY TO FORT RANDALL. 

Hascall’s line of stages runs twice a week from Sioux City to Fort 
Randall, Decotah Territory—distance one hundred and fifty miles. 

ON THE MISSISSIPPI AND MISSOURI RIVER. 

On the Mississippi river a regular daily line of Packet Boats run 
at all stages of water, from the terminus of the railroad at Ft. Mad¬ 
ison, twenty-five miles above Keokuk, to St. Paul, Minnesota, touch¬ 
ing at every point on the river. This line connects with the regular 
line of packets to and from St. Louis. 

On the Missouri , steamers run regularly when the water permits, 
from St. Louis and St. Joseph, Mo., to Council Bluffs, Sioux City 
and to points above. 


146 


DESCRIPTION OF IOWA. 


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INDEX 


Agricultural Review and Statistics......... 82 

Banking Institutions..... 135 

Churches ..............«♦....;.... 115 

Climate. .a... ......... 103 

Coal and other Minerals..."....108 

Counties—General description, &c., 

Adair, 53; Adams, 75; Alamakee, 29; Appanoose, 43; Audubon, 78; 
Benton, 39; Black Hawk, 59; Boone, 51; Bremer, 34; Buchanan, 82; 
Butler, 60; Buena Vista, 73; Calhoun, 67; Carroll, 81; Cass, 75; Cedar, 

24, Cerro Gordo, 58; Cherokee, 71; Chickasaw, 34; Clarke, 57;-Clay, 71; 
Clinton, 22; Crawford, 79; Dallas, f2; Davis, 17; Decatur, 56; Delaware, 

35; Des Moines, 14; Dickinson, 71; Dubuque, 26; Emmett, 66; Fayette, 

35; Floyd, 33; Franklin, 60; Greene, 51, Grundy, 60; Guthrie, 52; 
Hamilton, 64; Hancock, 62; Hardin, 60; Harrison, SO; Henry, 15; How¬ 
ard, 31; Humboldt, 67; Ida, 72; Iowa, 38; Jackson, 24; Jasper, 40; 
Jefferson, 16, Johnson, 38, Jones, 22; Keokuk. 42; Kossuth, 65; Lee, 

13; Linn, 23; Louisa, 17; Lucas, 55; Lyon, 73; Madison, 53; Mahaska, 

42; Marion, 41; Marshall, 61; Mills, 77; Mitchell, 32; Monona, 79;, 
Monroe, 43; Montgomery, 77; Muscatine, 21; O’Brien, 71; Osceola, 73; 
Page, 80; Palo Alto, 66; Plymouth, 72; Pocahontas, 66; Polk, 46; Pot¬ 
tawattamie, 76; Powsheik, 40; Binggold. 78; Sac, 70; Scott, 20; Shelby, 

78; Sioux, 73; Story, 50; Tama, 39; Taylor, 80; Union, 79; Van Burcn, 

15; Wapello, 42; Warren, 54; Washington, IS; Wayne, 56; Webster, 64; 
Winnesheik. 31; Winnebago, 62; Woodbury, 72; Worth, 58; Wright, 68. 

Common School System... 102 

Congressional District—First.......... 12 

do do Second. 20 

do do Third. 26 

do 'do Fourth.....'.. 87 

do do Fifth. 56 

do do Sivth. 67 

Educational Institutions (private). ™ 

Manufacturing—general statistics,. ^5 

do First Congressional District. 

do Second do do . 25 

do Third do do ...—. 86 

' do Fourth do do ... ^ 






















Military Affairs. m 

Population—Nativity of. 15ft 

Bailroads. 135 

Bfcate Officers. 

State Courts. 91 

State Institutions. S3 

Traveler's Directory. 1U 

United States Officers. 93 

Pete — Official for ten years. 120 


XXfTDEX TO ilBVEHTISBMEEXTS. 


Anthony, E. &H. T 4 Co. 

Drown, Beatty & Spsfford. 

linker, W. D. 

Bauer, Julius & Co. 

Barnes, A.L. & Burr. 

Baylies, W. D. 

Burtis House. 

Browning, E C. 

Cedar Rapids & Missouri River Railroad 

Costar, H. R. 

Dickerson, J. S. 

Emery & Co. 

Fabers & Co. 

Firman 4 Pearsons. 

Grover 4 Baker. 

Herndon House . 

Hewe, Henry. 

Jefferson House. 

Kimball, W. W. 

Knowlton, Wm. A.. 

M dual Life Insurance Company. 

Merrill 4 Keeney. 

Hills A Co. 

Pennsylvania Central Railroad. 

Purdy, J. H... 

Rouse A Williams. 

Root & Cady. 

Etc wart i G. A. & Co. 

Eh ^rp, W. II. 4 Co... 

Tucker, T uther 4 Co. 

rodorwriter’3 Agency. 

Vfilicox & Gibbs. 

Waggoner, J. N. 

Wheeler A Wilson. 


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.1-.24 

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. 14-6 

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. 32 3 # 

.81 

. 34 

.U 

.21 

.96 

Second pago of cover. 

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.IT 

.IT 

.38-29 

.10 

.5W 

.11 

.1, 5, 35, 3T 

.90 

.35 

. t« 

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. 3 

.23 

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.12 

.II 


Fourth page of cover. 















































ADVERTISEMENTS- 



SEED STOBE. 
BROWN, BEATTY & SPOFFORD, Propr’s, 

DES MOINES, IO WA, 

Have always on hand Reapers and Mowers ; also 
Cultivators and Corn Planters of different kinds. 
Caststeel American & German Caststeel Plows. Lum¬ 
ber and Spring Wagons. Field and Garden Seeds of 
every variety and kind always to be found at 

BROWN, BEATTY & SPOFFORD’S. 



' CET THE BEST. 

Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary, 

NEW ILLUSTRATED EDITION , 

Thoroughly Revised and Much Enlarged. 

OYER 3000 PINE ENGRAVINGS. 

10,000 WORDS and MEANINGS not found in other Dictionaries, in 
one vol. of 1840 royal quarto pages. 

PUBLISHED BY G. & C. MERRIAM, SPRINGFIELD, MASS. 
SOLD BY ALL BOOKSELLERS. 

Minh, Matter, Money, Beauty.— Webster’s Quarto Dictionary, as 
now published, has cost more intellectual labor, more money in ite 
“gettingup,” and contains more matter, and a larger number 
of beautiful engravings, than any single volume ever 
before published for popular use in this or any other 

country. 

S^Sold by MILLS & Co., - - DES MOINES, IOWA. 

1 











THE LARGEST 

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W. D. BAKEE’S 


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WOOD ENGRAVINGS and LITHOGRAPHS in all their various 

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Satisfaction Guaranteed in all Cases. 

















E. & II T. ANTHONY & CO., 

MANUFACTURERS OF PHOTOGRAPHIC MATERIALS, 

Wholesale and Retail, 


501 BROADWAY, NEW YORK. 

In addition to our main business of Photogr iphic Materials, we are Headquarters for 
the following, viz : STEREOSCOPES &. STEREOSCOPIC 
VIEWS. Of these we liave an immense assortment, including War Scenes, Amer¬ 
ican and Foreign Cities and Landscapes. Groups, Stationery etc., etc. Al oRevolving 
Stereo-copes, for public or private exhibition. Our Catalogue will be sent to any address 
on receipt of stamp. _ 

PHOTOGRAPHIC ALBUMS. 


Wo were the first to introduce these into the United S ates, and we manufacture 
immense quantities in great variety, ranging in price from 50 cents to $50. Our A lbums 
have the reputation of being superior in beauty and durability to any others. £ hey will 
be sent by mail, FREE, on receipt of price. FINE ALBUMS MALE TO ORDER. 

CARD PHOTOGRAPHS.—Our Catalogue now embraces over 5,000 
different subjects (to which additions are continually being made) of Portraits of Emi¬ 
nent Americanetc., viz : About 

100 Major-Generals, 100 Lieut, Colonels, 550 Statesmen, 

200 Brig. Generals, 250 Other Officers, 130 Divines, 

275 Colonels, 75 Navy Officers, 125 Authors, 

40 Artists, 125 Stage, 50 Piominent Women, 

3,000 copies of works of Art. 

Including reproductions of the most celebrated Engravings, Paintings, Statues, etc. 
Catalogues sent on receipt of Stamp. An order for One Dozen Pictures from our Cat- 
ologue will be filled on the receipt of SI, SO, aud sent by mail, FREE. 

Photographers andoth-rs ordering goods C 0. D., will please remit twenty-five per 
cent, of the amount with the v order. 

Jgg^The prices and quality of our goods eannot fail to satisfy. 


JOSEPH N. WAGGONER, 

WHOLESALE AND RETAIL DEALER IN 


SCHOOL ASH MISC1LLANE0IJS BOOKS, 

PLAIN" AND FANCY STATIONERY, 


PURSES, POCKET BOOKS. YANKEE NOTIONS, 

Gold and Steel Pens, Photograph Albums, 

AVAIL AND WINDOW PAPERS AND DECORATIVE PAPER HANGINGS, 

Globes, Outline Maps and otliei* School Furniture, 

Sheet Music, Music Books, Musical Instruments; Musical Merchandise generally % 
98 Main. Street, 94 Haiti Street, 

DUBUQUE, IOWA. GALENA, ILL . 


MERRILL & KEENEY, 

MANUFACTURERS AND DEALERS IN ALL KINDS OF 


FURNITURE, 

lhairs, Mattresses, Looking-Glasses and Plates, 

Also, Ready-Made Cofliais of all Sizes aiad Kinds. 

East side of Second Street, Fourth door North of Court Avenue, 

EES MOINES, : : : : 

V 


: : IOWA 












1LLC0X & 


SEWING MACHINE 



IBBS 


W^L STITCH, HEM, FELL, TUCK, CORD, BIND, BRAID, QUILT and 

* » Embroider beautifully. It will, with the finest need!e and thread, run 
from perfect work on the finest Nainsook, over the heaviest beaver cloth and cow¬ 
hide, with no change of needle, thread or teusion. 

Willeox & Gibbs Sewing Machine will use coarse cotton, linen, silk andtwine. 
It runs easier, faster and stiller than any other machine. It forms a flat, even 
and elastic seam, diffi ring from every other stitch, each loop being twisted by 
means of the ‘Rotating Hook,’ and drawing the twist into the goods, thus secure¬ 
ly fastemng every stitch, so that the seam will bear to be cut at frequent intervals, 
and in that case even, the seam is warranted not to rip in we • r, and under all 
circumstances to ‘‘survive the washtub.” Old worn out family garments, bo¬ 
soms, pants, dresses, &c., have been submitted to committees at Fairs wt>< m‘C was 
the greatest competition, and to this stitch premiums have be;-n awarded for its 
superiority, durability, elasticity and beauty. A patent-device prevents the 
possibility of the machine being run in the wrong direction, or the balance 
wheel ever wearing or touching the dress. By another ingenious patent improve¬ 
ment, t he needle cannot be set wrong, avoiding the trouble with other machines. 
No breaking o‘ needles.—The blado of the needle is less than % ofan inch long, 
and is straight.* It is less than half the length of other machine needles, many 
of which are curved, then fore more easily bent or broken—a gieat source of an¬ 
noyance, expense anti trouble. The Hemmer and Feller can never be set wrong, 
Any one may adjust them in the dark. The hem may be of any width. No 
other hemmer or feller is like this. It turns the hem on the right or pper side, 
as you want it. 

WILLCOX & GIBBS’ SEWING MACHINE is run by steam at 4000 stitches 
per minute—oilier machines only at 400 to 1200, with salety. 

They are manufactured with mathematical precision, lienee each part ^inter¬ 
changeable, and can be readily replaced in case of accident. They will not get 
out of order. 

WILLCOX & GIBBS’ SEWING MACHINE works at an instant’s notice, and 
never stops “unaccountably.” Not one operator in ten on the Willeox & Gibbs 
will break a needle or diop a stitch in a year. The Willeox & Gibbs in the 
hands of any one, knows no “skips,” “drops,” “jumps” or “misses.” The 
roundness, evenness, durability and beauty of its stitch were never equaled. Its 
rapidity, absolute stillness, ease of motion, nairowness and neatness of its hem 
and felr were never approach'd by any other machine. We can call in any boy 
or girl from the street, and with three minutes instruction they will set the needle, 
attach the Hemmer, or Feller, and do the work with entire success. A blind 
giri, with the exception of threading the needle, can do ihe same. Many ladies 
owning other first-class machines, come to our office to do their fine hemming and 
felling on the AVillcox &. Gibbs Machine. 

The press universally pronounce it the best family sewing machine in the world. 

We are General Agents for BARNUM’S SELF-SEWER, for all Sewing Ma¬ 
chines. It guides the work itself, thus avoiding the bent posture and strain on 
the ■ryes. Price $1-50. Large discount to Agents. 

Prices of Ma'bines, with hemmer, feller, gauge, oil can, extra needles, full 
directions, &c., from $56 to $150- 

AGFNTS WANTED.—Agents for other first-class machines, who take the 
Willeox & Gibbs in addition to theirs, make our most successful Agents. Try it. 

Terms to agents, descriptive cii cular and specimensiof work, sent free by mail, 
on receipt of stamp, or had of 


L, CORNELL & CO,, Gen’l Agents, 

183 Lake Street, 

CHICAGO , Illinois . 

12 



THE NATIONAL, &EHIES 

OF 

ST-A-ILTIDYVIEHID SCHOOL BOOHS, 
PERFECT AND COMPLETE IN ALL THEIR PARTS. 


Published by A. L. BARNES & BURR, New York. 


These books are not only relatively meritorious, but are absolutely superior, in their 
several departments of study, to any others extant. 

THE NATIONAL SCHOOL READERS, PRIMERS AND SPELLERS. 

The regular gradation of the different numbers of this series,—the excellence of the 
selections, remarkable on every page, but culminating in the Fourth and Fifth Readers, 
the latter of which is one of tne finest collections of English Literature in this country, 
the addition of Biographical Sketches, so useful and indispensable in a reader of its kind ; 
theie and many other literary merits, added to the clearness and beauty of type, the style 
of binding, make them the best Readers for i-chools. 


Prepared by PARKER & WATSON—the standard in our best schools, 

The National Series of Mathematics* 

0 

These bookS include all the marked improvements of the day, embracing many dis¬ 
tinctive features and exeelleDcies not possessed by any other series. 

Prepared by Prof. CHARLES DAVIES, L. L. D., 

The Standard of II. S. Military Academy, 

EMBRACED IN TWENTY VOLUMES. 

The rapid and extensive circulation of these books has no parallel in the history of any 
other text-books in this depaitment of study. They are used in the NormalSchools of the 
country,—State and county,—more than any other series, and are up to the very present 
time, including all the new States, territories, and other recent changes. 


Recommended by the Superintendent of the Schools of Iowa, 

Monteith’s National Geography, No. 1. | Monteith’s National Geography, No. 3. 
Monteitli’s National Geography, No. 2. ! McNally’s National Geography, No. 4. 

BY JAMES MONTEITH AND JAMES McNALLY. 


The National System of English Grammar. 

BY S W_ GILYAHLHH- 

Clark’s English Grammar has points of merit of the most decided character. Its prin¬ 
ciple of c'assification, its thorough analysis c f our language, its happy method of illustra¬ 
ting the relation of elements by means of diagrams (thus addressing the eye) and Its thor¬ 
oughly progressive character render it pre-eminently the best and most approved 
Grammar in use. 


A. B. BARNES & BURR publish over 100 DIFFERENT VOLUMES of 

Educational Works, among which are: 


The School Teacher’s Library, 12 vols. 
Porter’s Principles of Chemistry. 

Peck’s Ganois Popular Physics. 

Pujol & Van Norman’s French Class Book. 
Manfield’s Political Manual. 

Brooks’ Cesar’s Commentaries. 


Willard’s History of U. S., in English and 
Spanish. 

Boyd’s English Polls—and composition and 
Rhetoric. 

Berard’s History of England, 


Teaehers and friends of Education are invited to send to the publishers fora descriptive 
catalogue of all their various publications. Address 

A. L. BARNS & BUBR, 51 and 53 John St., N. Y, 












JULIUS BAUER & CO. 


WHOLESALE AGENTS FOR 

WM. KNABE & GO’S 

CELEBRATED 

GOLD MEDAL PIANO FORTES 

ALSO, FOR 

A. II. GALE & CO., 

SOEBLER & SMITH, BOARDMAN & GRAY, 

And other First Class Pianos , 

ORGANS AND MELODEONS. 



MANUFACTURERS and IMPORTERS OF 

Musical Instruments, 

St r ings, Accordeons, 

Violins, Clarionets, 

Drums, Guitars 

BRASS INSTRUMENTS 

And. other Musical Merchandise. 


The Silver and Brass Instruments, of our manufacture and 
importation, are used by all the best bands in the United States, and 
whenever exhibited have always received the Gold Medals and High¬ 
est Premiums. Having connection with manufacturing Houses in 
Berlin, Leipsic, Dresden, England and Paris, we are prepared to fur¬ 
nish DEALERS, BANDS and INDIVIDUALS, with every article in 

this line, at the lowest manufacturers’ prices. 

’ Remember the Place. 

Address 

JULIUS BAUER & CO. 

WHOLESALE WAREROOMS, 

CROSBY’S OPERA HOUSE, 

69 Washington St. Chicago, Ill. Also 99 Clark St. Chicago 

{^-8END FOR A CIRCULAR. 


14 




















JULIUS EAUEE & GO., 

Crosby’s Opera House 09 Washington St., 

99 South Clark St., Chicago, and 
544 Broadway New York, 



WHOLESALE AGENTS FOR 


Til®] GOU» MEDAL, 


1C ]ST .A. B E 


c o 



Carl Anchutz, Director, German Opera, praises 
“their great power and sweetness of tone,'’ and their 
“peculiar sweet, singing quality.” 

The great Thalberg says:—“I find your Square 
Pianos equal, if not superior, to any in this country.” 
Gottschalk says: — “The Knabe & Co. Pianos are ex¬ 
ceedingly remarkable for their tone. I do not hesi¬ 
tate to declare that they are equal, if not superior, to 
tiie best manufactured in Europe or in this country.” 

The eminent Pianist, Satter, says:—“I find it in 
every particular most excellent,” &c. 

M Strakosch, in a congratulatory letter, writes:— 
“In my opinion, they rank among the very highest 
in this country.” 

The Violinist, Vieuxtemps, says:—“I was delighted 
on hearing the clear and full tone of your really first 
class pianos.” 

E. Muzio, Director, Italian Opera, unhesitatingly 
declares:—“I consider them unsurpassed in brilliancy 
and excellence, and pre-eminent, without a rival, in 
chis country or in Europe.” 

MILLS & CO., Agents, DesMoines, Iovra. 

u 















J. T. ALLAN, Proprietor. 


Stages leave daily—West for Denver, Salt Lake, 
and California; East Connecting with 


Railroads ; South for St. Joseph. 



THE PRAIRIE FARMER. 


OZffE PHICE TO AZ.Ii ! 

Thus placing all our sub-cribers u]>on an EQAL FOOTING. 

There has always been more or le-- e«>mpl tint > f the injusti e of demanding of one 
man who simply sent in his own name, more than hi- neighbor who happened to 
place his name in the hands of a dubaient. Whether justly or not we do not need to 
argue—the people have failed to acknow ledge in many c-n-es the justness <f the club 
system. We have therefore abandoned it, and shall from this date, until further no¬ 
tice, charge 

TWO DOLLARS PER YEAR 

for every subscript >n to The Prairie Farmer, whether sent in singly or in clubs 
and no matter by v horn forwarded. 

Considering the exigencies of the time«, wp feel that our patrons v. ill fully sustain 
us in this tr'Mi gchange. Farm produce of all kind- has advanced from Fifty to 
Onb Hundred per cent. Money is j >enty, and we sha 1 look for a 

Largely Increased Usl 

upon these new and favorable term* 3 . Several of the pub’ishers of Leading Eastern 
Agricultural Papers have advanced their r..tes to two dollars and a half per weekly 
copy, and to two dolla> s in the largest clubs. 

The publisheis of the L< acting Monthlies have increased their club rates to one 
dollar per year. Remember, tliet ef >re, tli it all th ngs considered 

THE PRAIRIE FARMER IS THE CHEAPEST PAPER OF ITS RAM 

published in the United States, and also rernemb r that it is the most widely circu¬ 
lated the most influential, the most enterprising. a- d the most valuable Agri¬ 
cultural and Horticultural paper in the Great Northwest. 

Address, in all cases, EMERY & CO. 

204 Lake Street, Chicago, lilt. 

16 







8AYLIES’ COMMERCIAL COLLEGE. 



DUBUQTJS, IOWA. 

INSTITUTED 1858—INCORPORATED 1859. 

The Only First Class Commercial College in Iowa* 

TERMS—$40 FOR FULL COURSE. 

OCr’Send for Descriptive Circular and Catalogue. 

C. BAYLIES, Principal. 


JEFFERSON HOUSE, 


Curlier of White and Seventh Streets, Opposite the Court House, 

DUBUQUE, - - - . IOWA. 


- 0 - 


JOSEPH GEHRIG. PROPRIETOR. 

- 0 - 

Ow’Farmers will find good accommodations at the above house. 
Good stabling and a closed yard attached to the house. 


BOOK AGENTS ALWAYS WANTED! 

To sell by subscription, with sample, excellent 

POPULAR ILLUSTRATED FAMILY WORKS, 

SUITED TO “ THE TIMES” AND “THE PEOPLE.” 

It is a good business for ex-Soldiers, and others out of employment. For circular 
with particulars and terms, address HEN it Y HOWE ’ 

No. Ill Main Street, Cincinnati , Ohio. 


17 



























Iron Foundry and ©onoral Machinists, 



13 





























































































































































































JOHN H. MANNY’S 


REAPER AND MOWER 

COMBIITED, 

WITH GREAT IMPROVEMENTS. 



THE FIRST, 

MOST COMPLETE, 

AND 

Most Successful 

QOMBINATION OP 

Reaper and xWower 

IN THE "WORLD. 


OVER 00,000 


HAVE BEEN MADE AND SUCCESSFULLY USED. 


HUNDREDS UPON HUNDREDS OF PREMIUMS 


HavebeeD awarded it in competition with other Machines, receiving 

in Europe, during 1862, the 

Grand Medal of the World’s International Exhibition, 

in London; being the highest award for anytliingin the Exhibition. 

The Improvements are Extraordinary! 


See them in Sample Machines with different Agents throughout the State 

It is the Lightest Running" Machine in the World, 

That will do its Work. 


Don’t fail to see a simple of the great Improvements before you buy or 
order any other Machine. A penny saved is better than two earned. 

WM. A. KNOWLTON, Agent. 

Rockford, III., January, 1865. 

19 













1865. The Pennsylvania Central 1865. 



MURU &MLRO&B, 


(WITH ITS CONNECTIONS,) 


IS A FIRST-CLASS ROUTE FOR SAFETY, SPEED, AND COMFORT, 


TO ALL EASTERN CITIES. 

The Track is Stone Ballasted and Entirely Free 

From Lust. 


-:o:- 

FIVE DAILY TRAINS FROM 

rZT3?3B'37R.O TO rHIZiADZSZiPHIA, 


(With close connections from Western cities,) all connecting direct to NEW 
YORK, through Philadelphia, and close connections at Harrisburg 
for Bahimore and Washington; also from 

PJTTS3URQ TO NEW YORK, 

Three trains run daily [430 miles], via Allentown, without change of cars, arriv 
ing hours in advance of all other routes. 

ELEVEN DAILY TRAINS FROM PHILADELPHIA TO NEW YORK, 


Tickets for sale to Boston by boat or rail. Boat tickets good on any of the 
Sound Lines. 

FARE TO ALL POINTS AS LOW AS BY ANY OTHER ROUTE, 


SLEEPIIsra C-A.IBLS ON NIGHT TRAINS TO PHI LA- 
DELPIIIA, NEW YORK AND BALTIMORE. 
mrBAGGA GE CHECKED THR OUGH A ND TRA KSFERRED FREE^£5^ 

Merchandise, Produce and Live Stock 

Carried with despatch, at the lowest rates. 

ENOCH LEWIS, Gen’l Sup’t, 

Altoona, Pa. 

WM. H. HOLMES, Gen’l Pass. Agent, Chicago, 


20 

















QUAKER MOWER 


(Stetson’s Patents.) 

STILL WITHOUT A RIVAL 

ADMITTED BY ALL TO BE 

The Ughtest ©ran machine Ever Built. 
DOUBLE FLEXIBLE JOUVT, 



“We can unhesitatingly say that your ‘ QUAKER MOWER ’ 
gave unbounded satisfaction.” 

WHITNEY & SON. 

Candleton, Ills., July 28, 1864. 

“I have tried the ‘QUAKER BOY’ in the worst place; in 
fact where no Mower ever worked before. It does it* work ad¬ 
mirably. Blessed be the brain that invented the construction of 
the ‘ QUAKER. ’ ” 

W. G. ROBERTS. 

Racine, Wis., Aug. 13, 1864. 


MAIN UFACTURKI) I?Y 

FABERS & CO., 

Salem, Ohio. 

Send for Descriptive Pamphlet, 

21 



















THE UNIVERSAL CLOTHES WRINGER. 



We invite special attention to the following points, which are peculiar to the UNI¬ 
VERSAL CLOTHES WRINGER, and which render it 

SUPERIOR TO ALL OTHERS. 

1. “The Universal Clothes Wringer has strong COGWHEELS for turning both 
rolls together, so that each roll shall bear the strain equally. Otherwise the lower or 
crank roller does all the work, hiving both to turn the upper roll and carry the 
clothes through the machine by FRICTION. 

2, “The Universal Clothes Wringer” his “THE PATENT COG-WTIEEL REG¬ 
ULATOR” for securing the Cog Whee’s in their place, and preventing their being 
thrown out of gear by (he passing of large articles, to allow which the opposite ends 
of the rolls aro arrauged to separate when necessary. Without the regulator, cogs 
would be useless. 

NO OTHER WRINGER LICENSED UNDER THIS PATENT. 

8. “The Universal Clothes Wringer” is both self adjusting and adjustable. The 
elasticity of the rolls, combined with Hie strong wooden spiings, render it so far 
self-adjusting as to need no change for ordinary washing, while the thumb screwsat 
the top give greater power if needed for wa-hing the clothes, or less pressure for 
starching, or more capacity for the passage of large articles. 

R. C. BROWNING, General Agent. 

347 Broadway, N. Y. 


PR. W. H. RAVEN'SCRAFT. J- W. BROWN 

RAVEN SCR AFT & BROWN, 

('SUCCESSORS TO R. ROLLINS & CO.,) 


WHOLESALE AND RETAIL 



; ; DES MOINES, IOWA. 

OO 


Second Street, 




















SIXTEEN QUARTO PAGES-WEEKLY. 


The Country Gentleman is thought to possess claims npon the attention of every 
Practical Farmer, as well as of the Stock Breeder and Horticulturist, which no other 
periodical of its class presen’s. In the full discussion of the various questions in 
which the Fanner is concerned, whether din ctly practical, scientific or legislative in 
their character, it has no rival. In the number of its contributors, ? mong those who 
are themselves cultivators of the soil, breeders and horticulturists, and who thus write 
directly from their own experience, we bel eve it to be unequalled. In the variety of 
its Departments, to which there is more or less space devoted in every volume, and in 
nearly every number, it contains something that is valuable and interesting to all— a 
variety to be found in no other weekly journal—iucluding : 

1. Practical Field Husbandry —all the crops and processes of improved farming. 

2. Domestic Aft main —Breeds, Diseases, Fattening and Management. 

3. The Dairy —Butter and Cheese—the Poultry Yard and the Apiary. 

4. Horticulture —Fruits and Fruit Trees; Landscape Gardening; Arboriculture. 

5. Kitchen and Flower Gardening— all Edible and Ornamental Plants. 

0. Progress of Agriculture —S ties and Shows; New Implements and ‘Inventions. 

7. Domestic Economy — Entomology—Rural Architecture — Botany. 

8. The Fireside —Natural History; Home Embellishment and Comfort; Miscel¬ 
lanies. 

9. Record of the Times —State of the Crops; News at Home and Abroad. 

10. Farm Produce Markets —Albany, New York, and Boston Prices. 


THE COUNTRY GENTLEMAN is issued weekly, forming two volumes a year of 
416 pages each, beginning with January and July. Subscriptions may commence at 
any time. 


TERMS—12,50 a year if paid in advance, or $3,00 if not paid in advance. A re¬ 
duction to clubs as follows : 


ONE YEAR. 

One copy.$2.50 

Four copies. 9.00 

Eight copies...16.00 

Twelve copies, and one free to sen¬ 
der of the list .24,00 


SIX ,MONTHS. 

One copy.$1.25 

Four copies. 4.50 

Eight copies. 8.00 

Twelve copies, and one free to sen¬ 
der of the club .12.00 


And any additional number of copies, above eight or twelve, at the rate of $2.00 per 
year each. 


THE CULTIVATOR : MONTHLY : ESTABLISHED IN 1814, 


Is continued by the same Publishers—forming an Annual Volume of 384 pases, made 
up from the Country Gentleman— price 80 cents a year. It contains a much’larger 
amount of matter than will be found in any other Monthly. The farmer who does not 
wish a weekly journal of a purely agricultural character,‘will find in the Cultivator 
we do not hesitate to say. an amount of information of a directly practical kind unsur¬ 
passed in any other publication, the Country Gentleman alone excepted. 

Specimen numbers of both the Country Gentleman and the Cultivator will 
be sent on application—also show bills and prospectuses for the new year. 

Address, 

LUTHER TUCKER & SON, 

Albany, N. Y. 


23 
















UNDERWRITERS’ AGENCY, 

Office No. 6 Piae Street, New York. 

i 


The GERMANIA Fire Insurance Co., 

The HANOVER Fire Insurance CO., 

The NIAGARA Fire Insurance Co., 

The REFUELIC Fire Insurance Co., 

ALL OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK, 

Have entered into an arrangement for the purpose of transacting 

TOGETHER the business of Insurance against Loss or Damage by Fire, and 
the Perils of Inland Transportation in the Western States; and in order to carry 
such an arrangement into effect they have established, under the charge of Alexander 
Stoddart, General Agent, a separate office in this city, designated the UNDER¬ 
WRITERS’ AGENCY,” through which it is designed to establish a number of 
Local Agencies in the above States. 

ONE POLICY of Insurance is issued by tlie FOUR COMPANIES through the 
Underwriters’Agency, which is made to meet the necessities of the business com¬ 
munity, by seeming, with dispatch, large lines of Insurance with reliable Companies, 
upon uniform, plain, and simple conditions, thereby Obviating the necessity of 
applying to various separate offices for insurances to the amount they are several¬ 
ly able to accept, and of holding numerous separate policies , the conditions and 
separate porti ns of which rarely agree, rendering it next to impossible f >r the as¬ 
sured to b“cora** familiar wi'h and h unionize their various conflicting conditions. 

Bythe conditions of the UNDERWRITERS’ POI ICY bit' one set of papers is re¬ 
quired to prove a loss to the several Companies insuring under it, thereby making 
the adjustment simp'e and expeditious. 

The Local Agents is-uing this Policy of Insurance will be under the snpen Donof 
Alexander Stoddart, and the whole business will be under the control of a Board of 
Management of experienced Underwriters, composed of the Officers of the Compa¬ 
nies establishing the Agency 

The < asb Assets of EACH Company issuing the Underwriters’ PoHey of Insurance 
exceed HALF a MILLION OF DOLLARS, making a security in the aggregate of over 

Two Millions, Two Hundred and F fty Thousand Dollars. 

The standing in the community of the comranies interested in this Agency arrange¬ 
ment, and the respectable character of the larg- number of gentlemen composing 
theirseveral Boards of Directors, afford an abundant guarantee that all business con- 
fided to them will be honorably and liberally conducted. 

-o- 

BOARD OF MANAGEMENT FOR THE ESTABLISHING OF AGENCIES. 

JONATHAN D. STEELE, Pres dent Niagara Insurance Fire Co. PrE'Tdsnt. 
MAURICE BTLGER. President Germania Fire Insurance Co., Vice-President. 
ROKERT S. HONE- President Republic Fire Insurance Co., Treasurer. 

DUNCAN F CURRY Secretary Republ r Fire Insurance Co., Secretary. 

DORAS L. STONE, President Hanover Fire Insurance Co. 

RETKR NOTMAN. Secretary Niagara Fire Insurance Co 
JOHN EDVV. KA HL, * ecretary Germania Fire Insurance Co. 

RUDOLPH GARRTGUE, Vice-President Germania Fire Insurance Co. 
BENJAMINS. WALCOTT. Secretary Hanover Fire Insurance Co 
ALEXANDER STODDART, Underwriters’ General Agent. 

ApplicationsJor Agencies must be addressed to the General Agent. 

24 





REV. L. L. LANGSTROTH’S 
MOVABLE COMB HIVE 


(Patented October 6, 1862—Re-issued May 26, 1863.) 



The construction ofthis 
Hive gives perfect con¬ 
trol of every comb, cell 
and bee in the Hive. It 
is th original Movable 
Comb Bee Hive , his 
been in use about two 
years, and has been 
adopted by the most ex¬ 
tensive practical bee 
keepers. It i-t so well 
calculated to meet all the 
wants of the bee keeper, 
that numerous infringe¬ 
ments are offered to the 
public, embracing some 
slight alteration, but pre¬ 
serving the movable comb 
principle, without which 
they would be worth lit¬ 
tle or nothing. The testi¬ 
monials in favor of the 
use of this Hive from the 
highest, most reliable and 
most responsible sources, 
are so numerous that it is 
difficult to make a selec¬ 
tion to publish in the 
short space allotted to us 
in this wotk. We can¬ 
not, however, refrain 
from referring to two of 
the most extensive bee¬ 
keepers in the Union :— 
Prof. J. P Kirkland, 
Cleveland, Ohio, and M. 
Quin by, of St. Johnsville, 
New York, who have used 


the Langstroth hive for years. In brief, wherever this system has been used, it has 
revolu ionized beek'-eping. See Ohio Agricultural Report for 1847, pages 818.819 
and 320. Those who are not fully acquainted with the true Langstroth’s system of 
the M tVABLE COMB BEE HIVE will receive full information by addressing either 
of the subscribers. 


jggT* Applications for State, County, Township and Individual Rights, for the 
State of Maine, Vermont, New York, Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, Illinois, Wisconsin 
Missouri, Kansas, California and the Territories, should be addressed to R. C. OTIS 
Kenosha, Wisconsin. 


Applications for Hives, and County, Township, and Individual Rights, in 
the State of Iowa, should be addressed to 

FIRMAN & PEARSONS, 

Cedar Rapids, Iowa. 


P, g,—Individual er Farm Rights entitles the purchaser to use and construct for 
bis own use, on hi* own premises only, any number of hives for which Ten Dollars l* 
required. 


25 


























THE MONITOR 

SULKY CULTIVATOR, 

Improved for 1865. 

WITH OR WITHOUT MOULD BOARD SHOVELS. 

—:o:— 

MANUFACTURED BY 

S. D. SHVXITH cft3 OCX, 

Of Peoria, III. 

Washington Street, near T. P. & W. Depot. 

Price, Sixty-five Dollars, Cash. 

THE MONlToVcORN PLANTER, 

With Solid Steel Runners. 

Improved for 1 8 6 5 3 

WITH IZEfcOIISrSXiIIDIES 

Manufactured by 

J. D. SMITH & CO., 

At the Corner of Oak $ Washington Streets , near the 

T. P. $ W. P. R. 

The following FI&ST PREMIUMS have been awarded 


this Planter: 

FREEPORT, - - - 1858 

JACKSONVILLE, .... i860 

BLOOMINGTON, .... 1862 

do .... 1863 


PRICE, SIXTY DOLLARS. 

26 






THE OTSTL'H' 


Life Insurance Company in the Northwest 

—IS THE— 

Mutual Life Insurancs Company of Wisconsin, 

S. S. DAGGETT, Pres. A. W. KELLOGG, Sec’t. 

Trustee for Iowa ,—JONATHAN W CATTELL, Auditor of State. 
General Agent for Iowa —ISAAC T. MARTIN.. 


Partial JList of Agesaiso 


SHEPERD MARSH. Des Moines. 
M'. E. ROBINSON. Dubuque. 
GEO. L. SCOTT, McGregor. 

I. GARMOE, Fort Dodge. 


if. M. RIDGEWAY, Osceola," 


J. W. HANKINSON, Waterloo. 
Rev. J. B Taylor, Marshalltown. 
L. Jt\ FROST. Iowa City. 

N. LEVERING, Sioux City 


Reasons for Ensuring- in this Company: 

1. It is the only Life Insurance Company in the N< rthwest, and is managed by 
men elected by the Policy ho'ders, whose known character, ability and position afford 
ample guaranty for its car ful and successful management. 

2. It has already an ample accumulation for entire security. 

3. It keeps and invests the money, for accumulation, where Capital commands 
the best rates, and thereby intends to make money more plenty in the West. 

4. Jfcs risks are in the healthiest portion of ,he country, and are not deteriorated 
b.y uniting them with those of less healthy districts. 

5. All its profits are equally divided among its policy holders. 

6. It combines the advantages of both the cash and note systems. Those choosing 
to pay cash can d> so and have all the advantages of an equitably conduced cash 
Company And the privilege of giving note for part of the premium is granted to 
those who d n siie it 

7. It mak< s the payment of premiums easy and equitable loaning to th“ in¬ 

surer, as well a* the larger, just so much of the premium as is secured by the 
“value of the policy its P, and no more. 

S. Members who hive paid their premium in cash for a number of years, may, if 
circumstances require it, pay subsequent premiums wholly in notes, until the amount 
of the notes equals the value ot the policy. 

9. The premiums on non-forfeiting policies are lower than those of any other Com¬ 
pany having the same plan. 

1U. Thafirst payment secures its proportionate share of a non-forfeitirg policy. 

11. The reversionary insurance purchased by the dividends is not forfeited by 
non-payment of premiums on the policy. 

12 I his Company, it is believed, pays a larger surrender value for its policies 
than any other. 

13 Its osses are paid promptly on receipt of satisfactory proofs. 

It will thus be *e in that the Company aims not to take advantage of the misfor¬ 
tunes of its members, but to conduct all its business upon the basis of the strictest 
equity. 

27 





_ W. W. KIME 4LL, 

New Opera Mouse, 63 Washington Street , 
Clll CA G 0 9 ILLINOIS, 

WHOLESALE DEPOT FOR 

S. I). & M. W. SMITHS 

AMERICAN ORGANS 



The Most 

PERFECT AND 

BEAUTIFUL 

Musical 

INSTRUMENT 

in the 
WORLD , 
for the 

AMERICA* 

HOME 

CIRCLE. 


The 

AMERICAN 

ORGAN 

Makes Home 
Attractive, 
And 

REFINES 

and 

ELEVATES 
the Minds 
of All. 


BEAUTIFUL IN ITS APPEARANCE AND EFFECTS. 


These instruments are pronounced bv competent judges the BE'-T REED IN¬ 
STRUMENTS manufactured in the United Slates. They bore off >he palm at the 
recent STATE FAIR held at Rochester, N. Y., and received iho FIRM I REMI- 
UM over the whole catalogue exhibited, iucluding instruments from the most cele¬ 
brated mauufactui ers’throughout this country. The AMERICAN ORGANS are 
superior to all other instrumenns of the kind in many important pa: ticu'ars. 

They arc superior in their great fulness and completeness of tone, volume, and 
power. They are superior in expression, quietness of action, and elasticity of 
touch, rendering them p rfect in rapid movem ents. They are supeiior in quality 
and beauiy of tone, and when c ntrollod by the DOUBLE BELLOW^ and BLOW 
PEDALS, Knee .Swell, <£c., the mod charming t flees can be produced, from the 
softest whisper of the iEo ian Harp to the full volume and power of the Church 
Organ, thus enabling the performer to give expre-sions not 10 be found in any 
other instruments. Toe I'REMOL'* STOP has a pleasing and beau 1 iful vatiety, 
sympathetic in quality, appealing to ihe tender emotions of the soul, pr ducing 
effects toe most charming and soot hing ; it is universally admired and appreciated. 
The KNEE SWELL gives the pei former full control of the tone, enabling him to 
graduate from the Pianissimo to the Fortessimo at pleasure, and combines the 
effect of the Expression Stop of the French Organ in tne AMERICAN ORGAN, 
more perfectly and ea-ily managed. With all these combination* and improve¬ 
ments of Double Bellows, Pedals, and Swell, the AMERICAN ORGAN excels in 
Expression, Variety, and Power, and has all the quality and cap icity of a full 
Orchestra, and in the htnds of a master is capable of the most complete orches¬ 
tral effects. 'Ihe AMERICAN ORGANS are superior in mechanical finish of the 
action and interior portions of the musical parts. The valves are of ma erial 
expressly prepared to avoid all sticking, and cracking, or decomposition ; are 
thus durable, and will always be in order. 'Ihe Keys, Itecds, and &c., are p -rfect 
in their finish, and this gives thequi kness and sprightliness of tone, brilliancy &c., 
equal in every respect to the ‘‘percussion stop” of the French Organs, but not 
like them in danger of getting out of order. The AMERICAN ORGANS are by 
far the most beautiful in exterior finish, forming a handsome piece of furniture for 
the Parlor, Boudoir, or Sitting Room, occupying but little space, and perfect and 
complete in every particular. The Rosewood cases are varnished and polished in 
the highest style of art. The Oak and Walnut Cases are finished in oil. For 
Churches, Lecture Rooms, Lodges dtc., the AMERICAN ORGAN is especially 
adapted for its beauty of style, its excellence, variety, volume, and strength of 
tone. Every instrument fudy warrant.* d to give satisfaction. Orders by mail 
will receive particular and prompt attention. Address. 

W. W. ElM.BALL, 68 Washington Street, Chicago. 


28 






















GREAT REDUCTION IN PRICES! 

W. W. KIMBALL, 


NEW OPERA HOUSE, 

63 "Washington St- 3 Chicago- 

Wholesale Depot For 



AND 


MELODEONS. 


CONSTANT!, Y RECE1V1NG AND HA VE ON 
HAND THE LARGEST AND BEST 

ASSORTMENT OF 

FIRST CLASS PIANOS, 

FROM THE CELEBRATED MANUFACTURES OF 

Hallet, Davis & Co. - Boston. 

J. Chickering, - “ 

G. A. Miller & Co. “ 

F. C. Lighte & Co. - - - New York. 

J. & C. Fischer, - - “ 

Kurtzman & Hinze, - “ 

We also have the largest assortment of other Boston and New York make 
of Pianos in the north west. Wholesale dealers will find it to their ad¬ 
vantage to give us a call, as by greatly increased facilities, we are 
enabled to fill orders with dispatch. A Liberal discount to Clergymen, 
Schools, &c. Persons in want of a Really First Class Piano, will 
do well to call before purchasing elsewhere. 

IPg^Send for a Circular. 

29 




DA FID SCOFIELD. 


JOHN MAUD Eli. 


Established in 1855- 


CHICAGO TYPE FOUNDRY, 

AND 



NO 90 WASHINGTON STREET. 

CHICAGO, ILLS. 


D. SCOmtO & CO., PROPRIETORS. 


TYPE, PRESSES AND 
PRINTING MATERIAL 
ALWAYS ON HAND AND 
MANUFA C TV RED 
TO ORDER. 

Electrolyping, Stereotyping & Engraving, 

WELL AND PROMPTLY EXECUTED. 


Agents for Wade’s Superior Inks. and for Page’s 
Excelsior Wood Type. 


SO 









Geo. F. Boot. E. T. Root. C. M. Cady. 

ROOT AMD CADY, 

MUSIC PUBLISHERS AND WHOLESALE AGENTS FOR THE 

NOTII-WEST, OF 

MASON & HAMLIN’S 

CABINET ORGANS, 

AND 

Wm. B. Bradbury’s Pianos. 

CHICAGO . 

One Price. Terms Cash. Satisfaction Guaranteed. 


BURYIS HOUSE, 

J. J, BUETIS, Proprietor. 

r>A.A7'ETSri 3 OK,T, ; IOW.A.. - 



“ IS years established in N. Y, City,” 

“ On'y infallible rera dies known.” 

“F ee from Poisons.” 

“ Not dangerous to the Human Family.” 

“ ltats c >me out of their holes to die.” 

“ Costar's ” Rat, Roach. & c., Exterminators, 

Is a paste—used for ltats, Mice, Roaches, 

Black and Red Ants, &c., &e., &c., &c. 

“Oostar’s” Bed-Bug Exterminator, 

Is a liquid or wash, used to destroy, and 
also as a peventive for Bed-Bugs, &c 

“Costar’s” Electric Powder for Insects, 

Is for Moths , Mosquitoes, Fleas, Bed-Bugs, 

Insects on plants, Fowls, Animals, &c. 

Sold by all Dru rgi-ds and Retailers everywhere. Beware of all worthless 
imitations. See that ‘•Costar’s ” name ison each Box, Bottle and Fla*k before 

Principal Depot, 482 Breads. »JS?K£.* tV R * COSTAR. 
W For sale by all tho Druggists and Dealers in Des Moines, Iowa. 

31 








Cheap Farms for the People! 


IN JANUARY 1865, THE 


CEDAR RAPIDS & MISSOURI RIVER RAILROAD CO. 


WILL PUT IN MARKET 


-400,000 



OF SUPERIOR 10 WA FARMING LANDS, in tracts of 40 Acres and upwards 
at 

Very Low Prices to Actual Settlers. 


The larger portion of these lands lie between the Mississippi and Des 
Moines Rivers, due west of Chicago, and within fifteen miles on each side 
of the Railroad. 

This line of road will be completed in a few weeks to the Des Moines 
River, more than 


200 3MEX&SS WEST OF THE XtUXSSXSSZPPX. 


It runs through the central tier of counties, is already in operation fur¬ 
ther west than any other Railroad in the Northern States, and will form 
the shortest and most direct connection between Chicago and the Great 
Pacific Railway. The California Telegraph Line follows this Road. 


THESES LANDS 


Are mostly in the counties of Jackson, Clinton, Jones, Cedar, Linn, Ben¬ 
ton, Tama, Grundy, Hardin, Marshall, Story, Hamilton, Webster, Boone 
and Green, which counties are already well settled, and nearly every 
tract of the land which will be put into market, is within CONVENIENT 

DISTANCE OF TOWNS, VILLAGES, CHURCHES, SCHOOLS, POST 
OFFICES, TELEGRAPH STATIONS, MARKETS AND MILLS. 


IOWA IS THE BEST WATERED AND THE 

* 

BEST TIMBERED OF ALL THE 


PRAIRIE STATES. 


32 



The lands are principally “Rolling Prairie, ’ but include some of tne 
finest timber and coal lands in the West They are not surpassed by any 
on the Continent for Stock Raising, Corn, Wheat, Oats, Barley, Potatoes, 
Sorghum, Flax and Tobacco. 

The Company has determined to secure the 


IMMEDIATE SETTLEMENT 


Of these Lands, and thereby increase the business of the Railroad. 
They will therefore be sold at 

v 

Lower Prices to Actual Settlers 


Than lands of the same quality, and near a Railroad, can be bought at 
anywhere else in the United States. 

The prices will be generally from 

$3 TO $8 PER ACRE, 

ON LONG CREDIT, SHORT CREDIT, OR FOR CASH, as may suit the 
convenience of the purchaser. 

The Company has for sale at low figures, for cash or on credit, a large 
number of 


Tow 


at the various stations on the Road. The country along this line of Road 
is now being developed so rapidly as to furnish 

SIPXjIEILTIDIID oppobtttuities 


For Mechanics of all kinds, Merchants, Professional Men and Laborers, to 
establish themselves in business., and “grow up with the country.” 


Pamphlets aiul Descriptive Lists, 

Giving detailed information, will be sent free to all who apply by letter or 
otherwise, to 

W. W. WALKER, Vice Pres. & C. E., 

Cedar Rapids. Iowa. 


33 




Stafford’s Riding 



The First Premium at the Iowa State Fair in 1 864, 
and the Illinois State Fair in 1863. This machine 
has taken its position among the few 

First 1'Iass Agricultural Implements, 
and acknowledges no competition. It is guided in a 
very simple, easy and effective manner with the feet, 
giving the driver, at all times, the entire use of his 
hands to control his team. It is the only Cultivator 
possessing 

SELF-ADJUSTING- PLOWS, 

which is a sure preventive against breaking. It 
has also a Fender, which overcomes all difficulty 
about covering or injuring small corn. Several 
thousand are now in use, and in every instance have 
given PERFECT SATISFACTION. 

o 

They are made of the best material—cast steel 
shovels, and superior workmanship. 

For full particulars, call on authorized Agents, or 
address the undersigned. 

~ BARBER & HAWLEY, 
Manufacturers, Decatur, Illinois. 
BROWN, BEATTY & CO., Des Moines, Iowa. 

34 





F. M. MILLS. 


JAS. M. ROSS. 


MILLS & CO., 

DEALERS IN 


MUSICAL MERCHANDISE 

DES MOINES, - IOWA. 


Knabe’s, 

Bradbury’s, 

Steinway’s, 



Decker & Bro’s. 
Ballet Davis & Co's. 
Boardman & Gray’s, 

or any other good make of 



Furnished at CIIICAG0 prices —Buy here and save freights. 


MILLS & Co., are also agents for the 
CELEBRA TED 


MASON & HAMLIN’S CABINET ORGANS 


American Organs, Melodeons, &c. 


Sheet Music.—A very large stock on hand and 
constantly receiving all the new and popular music 
as it comes out—Sold at publisher’s prices, sent free 
by mail—Send for Catalogues. 

Music Books of all kinds furnished at lowest prices. 
The usual discount to the trade and to 
Music Teachers. 


PURDY’S GREAT WESTERN GIFT ENTERPRISE! 

DES MOINES, - - - IOWA. 

SEUL FOR A CIRCULAR. 
J. H. PURDY, PRorBiETea. 


35 
















a. A. STEWART. 


D. B. DAVIS 


G. A. SI EWART & CO 


.9 



!?« 


D' 


f) 


DES MOUSES, s s : : i IOWA* 


They have constantly of hand for sale 



of every class and variety. 


Business Houses, Dwellings and City Lets, 

of all sizes, in all localities. 


Will pay Taxes, 

Redeem Tax Sales 

for Non-Residents. 

Claims of Officers 
and Soldiers for 
Pensions, Back 

Pay and Bounty, 

promptly attended to. 


Call or address G. A. STEWART & CO , 

Des Moines, Iowa. 
36 









F. M. MILLS. 


JAS. M. BOSS. 



PRINTERS, PUBLISHERS and BLANKEOOK MAKERS, 

(South Side ) COURT AVE^ITS, 

DUS MOINES, IO U A. 


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Subscription Agents for Appleton’s American Cyclopedia. Smith’* 
History of the World, Cornell’s and Mitchell’s Outline Maps 
Township Maps of Iowa, $1.00; Sectional Maps of 
Iowa, $1,50 ; Miniature Maps, 25c. 


Printing and Wrapping Paper.-MILLS 4- Co., are Agents for 
the IH$ Moines Milts, and furnish paper of all sizes at lowest price. 


Highest price paid in Cash for Bags, 

fif^Orders solicited from Merchants, Booksellers, Teachers 
and others, which will be filled at the lowest rates— 

37 





























































U : 


si/y' 







M/ 


1 ) E S ( in Y T I O N 


OF 


|otoa ani its i(sources 



IN WHICH 




EVERY COUNTY IN THE STATE IIAS SPECIAL 
MENTION. WITH VAIUAELE TABLES IN RE¬ 
GARD TO AGRICULTURE, EDUCATION, RE¬ 
LIGIOUS DENOMINATION^ RAILROADS 
MANUFACTORIES. STAGE ROUTES, &C 




BEING 



A VALUABLE GUILE TO THE IMMIGRANT 


By WM. DUANE WILSON 

Secretary Iowa Agr cultural Collcga 


Entered according to Act of Congress, iD the year 1B65, by Mills t Co., in 
the Clerk's t ffice of the District C ourt ot Iowa. 


- DES MOINES IOWA 

HILLS k COMPANY PUBLISHERS 

1865 




Price, $1.00. llltb Map, $1.25 

















































SJ-63 


62-63'— 6a-63 




A visit to the Northwestern Agency o' the dri-over & B iser3 swing Machine, 
No. 113 Like street, is calculated to g.ve one enl irge 1 ids is of the beneficent en- 
terpr se whi h there h is its centre. A h ill, one h m Ira l an 1 eighty feet in dep h, 
is <livi led in o two s o icio is apartments —the front portion bein g used 'or the ex¬ 
hibition >n 1 sale of instraments, an l is i school of ins ruction for young 1 idies in 
the usi of the n; and the back portion as a m in ifi -t iring ro mu; while the entire 
basement bel >w is store I with all the m iteri tls of i gre t in n ifactnrin ; est idish- 
ment. The frame-work and ned of the ta ils 're furnished by two Ciiciro 
houses, at an ex * mss of ti.O) I per month; an 1 from this establishment, with i s 
hundred and fif y age its in the fi-l i, an sent forth, iniinlv on w loles ile orders, 
th insmds of mtchineseich yiar, throughout Illinois, Wisconsin, lowi, Minne¬ 
sota, northern In 1 ani, an 1 western Michigan. The basin«s of this mm-t -r 
age i ox hu do ibl*d eioh ye ir slue lSil. I • id lirio i to raichines, here is alo 
i the wholeide in 1 retail agency for thre id and silk —the 1 itter b *ing manui'a itured 
| ex >ressly for nse on this in i thine, an l both ieing s >1J at actual cost to a 1 patrons 
; of the company. 

The histor/ of tV GL-over & Biker michines is to» well known to need "eneti- 
tion, an 1 we will merely call attention to the leading excellencies of the machine, 
an i to the liberality of the Ohi t ig , agsa ;.y in a sin gle p irticul ir. 

Fink, P lisis the mlycon >inv th it mm ificturt machines for both the double 
loc i el isli t stitch, an l the lack stitch. 

,Sf iStiU/, >*h e fir u er al i le. in mg ill saving raichiues does all clas’esof 
vrr’s,-fro n the plain -st and heavies - to tne ra ist delicate,—fro u coarse bolting 
clodis t > the richest an 1 m >st co npl sx embr >idery. It fi ids a plac • in the fash¬ 
ion I'de Ire is m i ter’s e tiblish neat on th i on i hand, and i i the manufactories of 
cl 'thing, sh >e3, inlhirness on the ither,—th is eu >r icing the entire field of this 
fgreit m l is'ry, at ones pro noiiug its usefulness, anl eleyating it almost to the 
grade of i flue art. 

TlirUij, This establishment has an especial cl dm upon the Chi ag » public, for 
their liberal enterprise in estaolis ting a Free S hool for Ladies who desire to learn 
the use of the instrument. II ire the poorest girl can come, and receive, fr e of 
all expens *, '"nil instruetio i in the use of both michines; and, if she proves capa¬ 
ble an l hones’;, sh e will be pr ivi le l with a pi ice, or receive the reco mncndation 
ofahe agency. There is gener tlly a cl iss of twenty 1 idies thus receiving free in¬ 
struction h iving m ichinesan l inverial also provided free of exp mse. 

Here, too. inthe Sewing Department, one can see work of all kinds done every 
d iv, the preference however, being given to plain, substantial and useful family 
work. In or ler to mike the experiment entirely satisfactory, the ladies are es- 
jie dally solicited to bring work to the agency, which will be done in any vari ty 
an«l quantity, at a c >st m sr sly to cover e xpenses,—the work speaking at once for 
* the thoroughness of the instruction given and for the excellence of the machines. 



























ESTABLISHED 1856 


Largest and lost Complete 



IN THE WEST. 


Six I*ro.->s'}s—_F<Ut Corps of Hands. 


JOB PBINTI^G. 

The undersigned having recently refitted their Book and Job 
Printing Establishment with a large assortment of type of the newest 
styles and having secured as foreman a gentleman of long experience 
and skill, would be h ippy to receive chills from parties desiring esti¬ 
mates for anything in the printing line from the smallest card to the 
largest Book, to be done in any style either plain, or in colors, gold 
or silver. 

We are especially prepared for Book Printing , Pamphlets. 
Briefs, <fcc , gotten out in short order. Good Proof Readers and 
Careful Workmen. 

Copy prep trod for Posters, Cards, <fcc , &e . 

We keep A large stock of Paper of all kinds on hand, buy of 
the mills, do our printing by means of Steam Power Presses, 
and are prepared to do work more satisfactorily and expeditiously, and 
as cheaply as any other establishment in Iowa, Illinois or Missduri. 

We are doing work now in many instances less than Chicago 
Prices. 

We inteftd this shall be a First Class Publishing House for the West, 
where citizens of Iowa, Missouri, Nebraska and the Far West ean be 
as well served as by sending East. 

At the reduced rates of postage, Bills, Letter Heads, Cards, En¬ 
velopes, Circulars, &e., can be sent at a half cent per ounce, which 
will enable us to forward work very cheaply. 

Orders by mail will have immediate attention. 

We also fill all orders for any kind of Lithographing, Steel, Copper 
or Wood Engraving. 

Blank Books made to order in any style, ruled to any pattern 

e -• . MILLS & COMPANY, 

COURT- AVENUE, 

Des Moines , Iowa, 


























e?/.w?rio , ?rn 


^.rimnrJe^rHrfr^/tmr^JrwuumrMristifmimnfmstttiifSFni^r. 

. f y rr».fPfir <'*§£"" £pV ■-»$#•''»'$& n “W : *L” 
ri > tSSs - S 7 «RS?-, . 4 *V«sr..?.£gf» SMI'S? 


— ;4 : ^p "i 


uiiMiiuii 


200,000 ALREADY SOLD!! , 

_ - \ -IflltSfl 


vTNPARALELL^D S7SC Z233!! 


COMPLETE Machine Manufactured Lrenj TUP EE .-MINUTES! 


^-iifrDS^a^S 






eb^sssnP? .. 

The verdict of the People, is, that for Dural ility, Simplicity 
Rapidity, Ease of Motion, and Wide Range of Work, th 
Wheeler & Wilson Machine Excels all others as evidence* 
by the above facis. It is the o hj Machine that makes th< 
Lock Stitch, with the Botatwg Hook , and uses the very celt 
brated and very popular Glass Cloth Presser. 

General North-Western Office and Sales Room 

for the States of Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, Minnesota an» 
ijlorthern Indiana, 106 Lake Street, 

CHICAGO , Illinois . 

Applications for Agency should be made at th 
General Office. 

i D. M. COOL., Local Agent, 

Fourth Street, between Walnut and Court Avenue, 

* DES MOINES, JOWA. 


WHEELER & WILSON’S 

SEWfIMG MACHP ,K:cr 





































































































































